FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches February to June 2013

Published by Bernie Finn MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Acting President of the Legislative Council Chairman, Joint Parliamentary Electoral Matters Committee

277 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Victoria 3020 Telephone (03) 9312 1212 • Fax (03) 9312 4598 Email [email protected] Web www.berniefinn.com FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches February to June 2013

CONTENTS

Liquor Control Reform Amendment Bill 2012...... 3 Baroness Thatcher...... 22 Retirement Villages Amendment Planning And Environment Amendment (Information Disclosure) Bill 2012...... 3 (Growth Areas Authority And Planning: urban renewal...... 4 Miscellaneous) Bill 2013...... 22 Rail: St Albans level crossing...... 4 Health sciences: academic research centres...... 23 East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival...... 5 Melbourne Planning Scheme: Amendment...... 24 Planning And Environment Amendment Planning: City of Maribyrnong...... 26 (General) Bill 2012...... 5 Autism: western suburbs school...... 26 Australian Labor Party: federal performance...... 6 Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2013...... 27 Crimes Amendment (Gross Violence Planning: coastal management...... 28 Offences) Bill 2012...... 6 Essendon: traffic management plan...... 29 Kraft Foods: Ringwood...... 7 Australian Labor Party: union affiliation...... 29 Alpha Autism: funding...... 7 Merrifield employment precinct: Road Safety Amendment (Car Doors) Bill development...... 29 2012...... 8 East-West Link: Community Impact...... 30 Auditor-General: Allocation of Electronic Outer Suburban/Interface Services and Gaming Machine Entitlements...... 8 Development Committee: livability options in Australian Workers Union: leadership...... 8 outer suburban Melbourne...... 31 Health Services Amendment (Health Budget Papers 2013-14...... 32 Purchasing Victoria) Bill 2012...... 9 Rail: St Albans level crossing...... 33 Jury Directions Bill 2012...... 10 Housing: Northern Metropolitan Region...... 34 Planning: Maribyrnong development...... 11 Accident Compensation Legislation (Fair Western suburbs: federal government Protection for Firefighters) Bill 2011...... 34 support...... 12 Production Of Documents...... 35 Corrections Amendment Bill 2012...... 12 Outer Suburban/Interface Services and Port Phillip Bay: ferry service...... 14 Development Committee: livability options in Essendon: traffic management plan...... 14 outer suburban Melbourne...... 37 Health: western suburbs...... 15 City of Wyndham: federal election...... 38 Rail: St Albans level crossing...... 15 Energy Legislation Amendment (Feed-In Production Of Documents...... 15 Tariffs And Other Matters) Bill 2013...... 38 Media: federal government legislation...... 17 Buses: Sanctuary Lakes...... 39 Major Sporting Events Amendment Bill 2013....17 Mental health: women’s facilities...... 39 Bruce Albert Edward Skeggs, OAM...... 17 Mrs Donna Petrovich...... 40 Technology sector: government initiatives...... 18 Public Accounts and Estimates Committee: Mental health: women’s facilities...... 18 Effective decision making for successful Health services: western suburbs...... 19 delivery of significant infrastructure projects.....40 Production Of Documents...... 19 Paramedics: enterprise bargaining...... 41 Municipal Association of Victoria: Volunteer West: funding...... 42 Report 2011-12...... 21

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

IN 2 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Second Reading Mrs Peulich interjected. not in a position to properly defend 5 February 2013 Mr FINN — I do not know whether themselves exploited and used by they are Victorians but they are those who perhaps do not have the certainly drunks. I have to agree with same degree of ethical standards the 3AW broadcaster Ross Stevenson, that many of us have. It has to be said Liquor Control who says on a regular basis that no that I have no personal experience of good ever comes after 2 o’clock in the procuring a retirement home for my Reform morning. parents as they passed away when I think that is true, and this bill they were quite young. I have no Amendment Bill today will go some way towards experience in that regard, but that ensuring that we have some degree does not stop me from being aware 2012 of the very real challenges involved Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — of law and order and control on the streets after 2 in the morning and in growing old. I am very hopeful that I must begin my contribution to the one day I might be in that situation, debate on the Liquor Control Reform hopefully before then as well. This bill not only gives the police and although it cannot be said that that is Amendment Bill 2012 by declaring a unanimous wish. It is something I an interest — that is, on a warm day I protective services officers the powers to tip alcohol out in front of the — am hoping I might be able to get to at have been known to enjoy a cold beer. some stage. Some days I have had two. In fact last generally — lads who are drinking There are real challenges for those Sunday I was seen down at the Black it but also instils in those people a who are growing old and challenges Horse Hotel in Bulla having an ale degree of respect that has perhaps for those whose parents are growing with an old mate who was visiting not been there for the last decade old, but we should not under any from overseas. It was very enjoyable, or so. Respect for authority and, in circumstances allow the challenges and a great deal of responsible activity particular, respect for the police has to move to being a burden, because was going on down at that particular been sadly lacking among many those who may have problems locale. young people over recent times. The legislation before us today gives police associated with old age deserve In my experience, it is safe to the power to remove alcohol from our support. We owe them. In most say that over the last 25 or 30 years young people and tip it out in front of instances they have built for us the Melbourne has gone from one them and will certainly make those life we have today. We owe them, and extreme to the other. I remember back individuals aware that the police we have a great opportunity in their in the late 70s and early 80s leaving do have the authority to exert some twilight years to repay them in a way meetings at 10.30 p.m. and having to control over the way they carry on. that we ourselves will hopefully one hold further discussions on the street day be repaid. because there was nowhere to go. I This is a very important and very Aged people should not have to recall friends and colleagues flying good bill. I commend the government worry about things like money. They in from interstate for such meetings, for its introduction, and I wish it a should not have to worry about and when those meetings finished at speedy passage through this house. pensions or unexpected expenses 10.30 p.m. they would say, ‘Let’s go — things like the carbon tax, for for a drink’. I would say, ‘Well, you’ll COUNCIL | Second Reading example. These things affect people have to get back on the plane and 5 February 2013 and they should concern us all. To fly back to wherever you came from, quote the motto of a school out my because there is no drinking here’. way in Gladstone Park, ‘Knowledge That is what Melbourne was like. I is power’. The knowledge that is cannot go back to the 6 o’clock swill, Retirement provided by this legislation today but I can certainly go back to the days gives retirees and their families a when there was very little drinking Villages degree of warning and a degree of beyond 10.00 p.m. I well recall the power that is much needed and, I am great excitement when a venue in Amendment sure, much appreciated. Exhibition Street opened a supper club. Unfortunately it is no longer (Information Unfortunately, as I alluded to there, but it was just down the road before, there are people in our from Liberal Party headquarters and Disclosure) Bill community who will go after a cheap gained a good deal of patronage from buck. There are people who do not a number of us who spent a good deal 2012 have any ethics at all, quite frankly. of time at that particular venue. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — There are people who will rip off old people, young people or any people We have gone from a time all those It gives me a great deal of pleasure on they can. They think that the world years ago when basically you could this first day of Parliament in 2013 to owes them a living, and as such they not get a drink after 10 o’clock at rise to support the Retirement Villages will do whatever is in their power night to the point now where booze is Amendment (Information Disclosure) to bring themselves the standard of everywhere. You just cannot get away Bill 2012. In particular I commend the living that they would deny others. from it. It does not matter whether Minister for Consumer Affairs, who To a very large extent this legislation you set out deliberately to go to a I have to say is doing an outstanding will provide protection against such place where they serve alcohol or you job in this area, as he is in his other people. are just walking down the street — it is portfolio areas. This bill in particular everywhere. I am sure every member is something that will endear him to Once again I commend the minister. of this house has had the experience many. We have a huge responsibility toward of walking through the streets after There is one thing that upsets me the aged members of our community, a function at maybe 2 or 3 in the more than anything else, and that is particularly those who are frail, and morning and finding Melbourne to see the vulnerable taken advantage those who are in a state of confusion absolutely full of drunks. of — that is, to see those who are and who have perhaps seen better

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 3 days, if I can put it that way. We owe investment in our central city area. COUNCIL | Adjournment them big-time, as I mentioned earlier, All these projects — over $3 billion 5 February 2013 and I believe this legislation goes worth — represent thousands of new some way towards ensuring that our jobs for Melburnians in our central debt is paid to those who have built city area. our society before us. I commend the I thank Mr Finn for his question, Rail: St Albans bill to the house. because recently I approved another level crossing fabulous future development for Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) COUNCIL | Questions without Notice our city at the former site of the — I wish to raise a matter in the 5 February 2013 Melbourne Age newspaper. While adjournment debate this evening some of us were pleased to be there for the attention of the Minister for to issue the demolition permit for Roads, who is also the Minister for the former site of the Spencer Street Public Transport concerning the Planning: urban Soviet, it crossed my mind that Mrs ongoing issue of the St Albans railway Peulich may have liked to have joined line. For the benefit of members, this renewal me for the first swinging of that issue goes back many years, in fact to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) great big black ball into the old Age — My question without notice is my first term in the Parliament, back building. in the 1990s. Some members will directed to the Minister for Planning, The former Age site presents and I ask: can the minister inform recall that the Kennett government a unique opportunity for urban committed to fixing the problem that the house what action he has taken renewal in Melbourne. Six towers to bring urban renewal to central is the St Albans railway crossing back have been proposed for the site, in 1999. Unfortunately, as a result of Melbourne and which projects have and that proposal represents $800 been approved that will create jobs? an electoral hiccup, it did not get the million worth of investment. This opportunity to fix the railway line in St Mr Leane interjected. will see change over an eight-year Albans. Hon. M. J. GUY (Minister for period. Importantly, in issuing this The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! Planning) — I am glad Mr Leane permit we have ensured that the Mr Finn should be careful that he wants to talk about party renewal, public open space requirements does not mislead the house. because so does Martin Foley, for the development will be put in the member for Albert Park in the place within the first six months post Mr FINN — It was perhaps more Assembly. I note that while the demolition, so we will not end up with than a hiccup, Deputy President — in President has come into the chamber a bombsite such as we have at the fact some of us actually choked on with a beard, we on this side of Savoy Hotel site opposite Southern that occasion. the house do not think he is from Cross station. That important permit The Labor government came in Transylvania. There are certainly condition will ensure that this site is promising to fix the level crossing, other people in this chamber who fit one that Melburnians will be able to but after 11 years it still was not done. that description. enjoy before it is built upon over the My understanding is that after the I thank Mr Finn for his question. In next decade with the relevant level of election of the Bracks government just seven months this government open space within that development. in 1999 all works were put on hold. has approved some $3 billion worth Urban renewal is very important to Here we are in 2013, and we still of works that are under way in our me. have this St Albans level crossing central city area and are providing problem, which has claimed 16 lives. When you have organisations The government has made a firm certainty and jobs for central run by factional Volturi — who are Melbourne. If I can take a planning commitment to solve it once and for ultimately soulless vampires devoid of all, and we will do that. captain’s pick, I will run through a contact with the real world, as Martin few of those works. Members might Foley says about his colleagues in The thing that confuses me is that have noticed that the Celtic Club the Labor Party — you see why some recently Mr Elsbury and I were at the Melbourne development was recently people, even from the Labor Party St Albans Lunar New Year Festival. approved at a height of 154 metres, today, still oppose urban renewal. The federal member for Maribyrnong and it will be built at a cost of $65 They still oppose the chance to and Minister for Getting the Numbers, million. That is a great investment provide great levels of density in the Bill Shorten, was there. He said for Melbourne and of course a huge world’s greatest city, and that includes he believed that the level crossing boost for jobs in the central city. members of ex-governments, former solution should be a bipartisan Similarly, the new development to governments, recent governments issue. In fact I thanked him in my be built at 450 Elizabeth Street has and the current vacant, soulless speech for the contribution that the been approved. frontbenchers who have no plan or federal government would make. As I recall, Mr Eideh also thanked That building will be 200 metres and vision for our city, unlike the Baillieu government. Mr Shorten in his speech for the 61 storeys, and it represents hundreds financial contribution that the federal of jobs for our central city area and government would make. will see urban renewal in central Melbourne. The new development to Ms Pulford — On a point of be built at 150 Queen Street will be 68 order, Deputy President, I was not storeys and 221 metres. It represents here at the commencement of the $171 million worth of investment adjournment debate, but I believe in our central city area. The new we are on the adjournment debate development to be built at 720 Bourke because the bells rang. I wonder how Street, which will be the new Bourke Mr Finn’s conversational reports Street head office of Medibank, relate to his raising a matter of represents $180 million worth of government administration with the

IN 4 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE minister. COUNCIL | Second Reading called Rob Hulls, who was a former The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! 7 February 2013 Attorney-General and former Minister I think the member has plenty for Planning. That bloke was so of time to make his request of the Stalinist that he attempted to reshape minister, and he is able to make his Victoria in his own image. Such was contribution in his own particular Planning And the giant ego of the man, he thought way. everybody should be just like him. I Environment can only say thank God that did not Mr FINN — Thank you, Deputy turn out to be the case, and thank God President. I was quite excited about Amendment he is no longer in this Parliament. the financial contribution the federal However, unfortunately the smell government was apparently going (General) Bill lingers on, and we have seen evidence to make, but unfortunately within of that from the other side of the days of making that offer Mr Shorten chamber today. It is very sad indeed. withdrew it. This past Sunday the 2012 Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) We heard from Mr Tee on a whole federal Minister for Infrastructure — I rise with pleasure to speak on and Transport, Mr Albanese, was range of points, but I felt a bit sorry the Planning and Environment for him, as I often do, because I am in St Albans making the same offer. Amendment (General) Bill 2012. In I am very confused. Is the federal a compassionate man and he is doing so I commend the Minister for clearly struggling. That was one of the government going to put new money Planning, the Honourable Matthew into this project? Is the federal reasons I threw in the odd interjection Guy, for the work he is doing in this — just to help him out. He was clearly government going to make this a regard. He is an energetic minister, he bipartisan effort or not? Do we believe struggling, and during some of the is a proactive minister and I have to points he made he could not even Mr Shorten the first time, Mr Shorten say he is a very caring minister. He is a the second time or Mr Albanese now? keep a straight face. For him to smile minister who actually cares about the is really something. For him to laugh I know the minister, Mr Mulder, people he is making decisions about. means we have hit the jackpot today, is very firmly committed to solving It has to be said that in years gone have we not? This is sensational! Some this dreadful problem in St Albans, by that was not always the case, but of the points he was making were so and I ask him to approach his federal it certainly is now and I think that ludicrous and nonsensical that even colleague with a view to ascertaining makes for a balanced planning system he was laughing at them. How can we exactly how much the federal and one we can all be proud of. be expected to take him, or anything government is prepared to put on the I listened to Mr Tee earlier. It was that he says on this matter, seriously? table so that at long last we can solve not always in silence. I thought his this problem. Reference has been made in this contribution was pretty pathetic. As I debate to the change that we have look over to the opposition benches, seen over the last couple of years to COUNCIL | Adjournment (Reply) I see not a sausage! Oh, no, there he planning processes in Victoria. As I 5 February 2013 is. He was hiding behind a chair. I am mentioned earlier, we have a can- sorry. Mr Tee was hiding behind a do minister and somebody who has chair, but he has popped up at the last restored consistency and integrity to East Meets West minute. He is the only one over there. the planning system in this state. If I had listened to his performance I remember that for my first four earlier, I would have left too. It was not years in this house, when I sat on the Lunar New Year flash at all. benches opposite, Justin Madden was Festival One point in particular that I want Minister for Planning. He sat just over Raised with the Minister for to make about Mr Tee’s effort is that I there to the left of where I am sitting Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship think his attempt to use the Country now. You would have to wonder if he on 12 September 2012 Fire Authority to make a political knew what day it was. I was tempted a point on this, the anniversary of Black couple of times to give him a calendar, REPLY: Saturday, was low. I thought it was The East Meets West Lunar New because that would have been the lower than this Parliament deserves only way he would have known. It Year Festival is a significant social and and the people of Victoria deserve. cultural event that is enjoyed by the did not matter whether it was the I hope that Mr Tee might have broad Victorian community. Windsor development — about a think about his standards and which he did not seem to have a clue, I understand the Festival has about what he uses in the course even though his office had created received support of $40 000 since 2005 of parliamentary debate to make a sham consultation and made the from the community grants program. a political point from here on in, whole process the laughing-stock of I am advised that the Footscray because to use the anniversary Victoria, if not Australia — or his own Asian Business Association has of Black Saturday is absolutely electorate office in Brimbank, where recently applied to the Office of despicable. one of the greatest acts of shysterism Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship We also heard Mr Tee talking in this state was perpetrated; he did for a festival and events grant to about the Stalinist nature of the not seem to know about that either. fund the East Meets West Lunar Minister for Planning’s regime, which He should be very wary when he New Year Festival under the 2012-13 made me laugh given the Minister crosses the road, because a tram community grants program. for Planning’s views on Stalin, might be coming and he might not I am advised that the application communism and most other things of know it is there until the bell rings — I is currently being considered and that nature. If anybody would know have cleaned that up considerably. that the Association will be advised about Stalinism, it would be a man It gives me a great deal of pleasure accordingly. who not only comes from the extreme to support this bill today. Mr Koch is left but who also worked for a bloke making hand gestures at me, which

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 5 means that I regretfully cannot As mentioned earlier, Victorians Comment has been made here continue, as I might for a considerable will get the chance to right the tonight by Mr Pakula about the work amount of time, as there are many wrongs soon — just not soon enough. the Attorney-General has done in points that I wish to make about Mr In September those who have this regard. It has to be said that the Tee and Mr Leane, who also made perpetrated these injustices face the Attorney-General, Mr Clark, is doing a contribution that can only be people they have hurt so badly. Any an outstanding job of protecting the described as ‘Leane-istic’ — — Victorian who votes for more is clearly rights of victims and stepping up the Hon. M. J. Guy — Apparently he’s a masochist, but I have no doubt campaign against violence in our an MP! the overwhelming majority will vote society. I think I have said before that Mr FINN — Apparently! Word has for change, for a fair go for Victoria one of the great highlights of election it. As the minister says, apparently he and for a Tony Abbott-led Liberal- night 2010 was the knowledge that is an MP. One of these days we might Nationals coalition government for Robert Clark would replace Rob Hulls work out why; better still, he might, this nation. as Attorney-General. As we know, Rob and that will be a good thing too. I Hulls was soft on crime; indeed Labor commend the bill to the house. COUNCIL | Second Reading was — and you would have to say, 19 February 2013 still is — soft on crime. That is deeply I commend the minister. It is regrettable. wonderful to know that planning in this state is once again in strong and You would hope that in this day safe hands. and age, with so many serious acts of Crimes violence occurring in our society, this The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr sort of legislation and the sort of view Ondarchie) — Order! I thank Mr Finn Amendment we are putting forward here tonight for his quiet contribution. would be bipartisan and that Labor (Gross Violence would be promoting the same sorts of COUNCIL | Members Statements values and views the government has. 7 February 2013 Offences) Bill It seems, however, that that might not be the case. 2012 Having heard Mr Pakula I am still Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) wondering exactly where those in Australian Labor — It gives me a great deal of pleasure opposition stand. They tell us one to rise this evening to support the thing and then they say something Party: federal Crimes Amendment (Gross Violence else that is completely different, so I performance Offences) Bill 2012. am not exactly sure where they stand. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I heard with a great deal of interest For a future leader of the opposition Later this year every adult Victorian the contribution of Ms Pennicuik to take a stand as he did tonight was has the opportunity to do their state — what was, as you pointed out, a little confusing. I say to Mr Pakula a huge favour. In November 2010 Acting President, the substantial — and to Mr Leane, who might like to the current federal government contribution of Ms Pennicuik. I hand over some advice to his future declared war on Victoria. That war thought some of the points she made leader — if Mr Pakula wants to travel has extended to New South Wales interesting, and it is not very often I down to the Assembly and take over and Queensland, where Labor was will say that. I thought it interesting from Daniel Andrews, the current swept away in electoral tsunamis over she made some points, given the Leader of the Opposition, he is going the past couple of years. However, record the Greens have on protecting to have to work out what he believes the Gillard government’s real hatred people from criminals and from in and take strong stands on issues. has been directed at Victoria and crime. The Greens do not have the He is going to have to have some Victorians. greatest track record in the world, you belief in what he says. I have to say would have to say, and unfortunately, that tonight it did not strike me that We can speculate on exactly why the going by what we have heard tonight, he did. In fact, it struck me that he was Prime Minister has treated Victoria I note it is happening again. I find that having two bob each way, which is not so shabbily, but nobody can dispute very sad indeed. unusual for the Labor Party. That is the fact that Victorians are being something we have come to expect. unmercifully ripped off by the federal We have to accept that one of the Labor government. Some of these great issues in our community is the There is one part of this bill that financial outrages against our state threat of violence on our streets and I want to make brief mention of may have gone largely unnoticed, but even in our homes. It is a tragedy and that is the recognition in this when the commonwealth Minister for when people cannot feel safe in their legislation of the value of an unborn Health, Tanya Plibersek, decided to own homes. child. I think it is long overdue. attack our hospitals, she crossed the To have elderly people bashed in I welcome it, and I congratulate line. their own homes by contemptible the government on putting that people who take that liberty upon recognition into this bill. I hope that Public anger against the Gillard that recognition will be extended government health cuts has been themselves — to break into homes, to bash the occupants, who cannot into other pieces of legislation before white hot. In Melbourne’s west, too long. In the very brief time Werribee Mercy Hospital and defend themselves in any way, shape or form, and then to rob those that I have this evening I want to Williamstown Hospital in particular congratulate the government on this have been victims of Labor cuts, occupants — is something that is surely abhorrent to us all. I am very piece of legislation. Protecting the but there has not been a hospital in community has to be our first priority Victoria that has not felt the pain of hopeful that this legislation here tonight will go some way toward as a government, and it is pieces of the Gillard-Swan-Plibersek king-hit to legislation like this that will send — — some extent. being a deterrent against those sorts of activities. Mrs Coote — It is an electoral

IN 6 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE promise! manufacturing industry to grow our COUNCIL | Adjournment Mr FINN — As Mrs Coote said, it markets and trade in the Asia-Pacific 19 February 2013 is another electoral promise that we region. The coalition government’s are keeping. It is important that the investment into the Kraft Asia-Pacific people of Victoria know they have confectionery centre for excellence a government that puts the welfare will expand Kraft’s market from the Alpha Autism: and the protection of the vulnerable 20 million people who consume Kraft’s wonderful chocolates here funding in our community first. It is pieces of Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — legislation such as this that make sure in Australia to a market in excess of 1.6 billion consumers across I raise a matter for the attention of the that that message is received loud Minister for Community Services, the and clear by people from one end of the Asia-Pacific region. This will accelerate the development of high- Honourable Mary Wooldridge, and it Victoria to the other. I commend the concerns the plight — — bill, and I urge the house to give it a quality, innovative food products speedy passage. for the region. It will ensure that Mrs Coote — A very good minister! we position Victoria as the leading Mr FINN — A very good minister food manufacturing centre in the indeed. She is doing a very good COUNCIL | Questions without Notice Asia-Pacific region with the capacity job. I wish to raise with the minister 19 February 2013 and capability to supply a global the plight of Alpha Autism, an market. We found during our visit organisation based across Melbourne that consumer tastes are substantially in eight centres at Albert Park, Kraft Foods: different in different parts of the Heatherton, Narre Warren, Altona world, and the idea is to ensure that North, Keilor, Northcote, Box Hill Ringwood we match the growing markets in and Malvern East. It is the largest and Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — those places. most experienced service provider for My question without notice is directed The centre will contribute adolescents and adults with autism to the Minister for Manufacturing, to attracting, developing and spectrum disorder in Australia, and Exports and Trade, Mr Dalla-Riva, retaining talent in food innovation it has been supporting thousands of and I ask: can the minister update the and manufacturing, to securing clients, their families and carers for house on any new developments in Victoria’s position as Australia’s over 25 years. the food manufacturing industry? manufacturing and R and D centre for Its employment service involves Hon. R. A. DALLA-RIVA (Minister the food industry and building on its a collaborative approach which for Manufacturing, Exports and international reputation. addresses the needs of employers and Trade) — I thank the member for his There may be some who wish clients, ensuring successful matches question. I was pleased to join the to talk down the food industry, are made for sustained employment Premier on 8 February to officially but we are about ensuring that we outcomes and community lifestyles. open stage 1 of the Kraft Foods create an environment to attract Alpha Autism’s consultancy services Asia-Pacific confectionery centre of further investment around this also assist workplaces in developing excellence, with the Australia-New regional hub, and more importantly tailored training solutions. As we can Zealand president of Kraft Foods, we will make sure that we assist see, it is providing a much-needed Rebecca Dee-Bradbury. This was at supply chain partners of small to service, and it is one which will be one of the Kraft Foods manufacturing medium enterprises to help develop needed even more in the years to facilities, the Cadbury facility out at manufacturing capabilities. come, given the increase in diagnoses Ringwood. Kraft is the largest food It is interesting to note that a key of autism in recent years. Indeed as manufacturer based in Melbourne. stakeholder, Gary Dawson, the chief we speak there is an army of children It has other facilities at Scoresby and executive of the Australian Food and with autism preparing to come Port Melbourne. Grocery Council, congratulated the through the system and grow into This Asia-Pacific confectionery development. He said: adulthood. We must remember that centre for excellence will be a these children in their own way are Innovation is of critical very bright. They have much to offer world-class, globally competitive importance to Australia’s research facility located at Kraft’s $110 billion food and grocery our society, and they are capable of manufacturing site at Ringwood. The manufacturing industry. This making a very positive contribution centre will provide a significant boost important investment by one not just to those around them but to to Victorian food manufacturing of the most significant global their own particular situation. It is innovation and will be staffed food manufacturing companies important that we find appropriate by the largest food research and underlines Australia’s potential to jobs for them to fit into and make that development (R and D) team in become a major manufacturing contribution of which I speak, instead Australia. It will generate more than hub for the Asian century ... of throwing them on the scrapheap, 100 new jobs and will secure 1000 jobs The Kraft investment will ensure as it would seem will happen if Alpha at Kraft’s Ringwood manufacturing that Victoria is the home of the Autism is to close. operation. largest and most significant Kraft I say it may close because the R and D centre in the Asia-Pacific Mr Leane interjected. federal government has notified region with a focus on chocolate and Hon. R. A. DALLA-RIVA — Mr Alpha Autism that it no longer confectionery innovation. This adds to meets the criteria for funding. That Leane interjects that I do not know our international engagement strategy where it is, but I can tell him I know is a government which tells us it and our manufacturing strategy in cares about the downtrodden; it is a where it is better than Mr Pakula delivering assistance to small and knows where Lyndhurst is. government that tells us it cares about medium enterprises to deliver high- those battlers in our community, and I can tell the house that we quality, safe and innovative food to yet it does this to an organisation — — are focused on implementing a our growing global markets. clear strategy to assist Victoria’s Mr O’Brien — Labor values!

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 7 Mr FINN — Labor values, indeed, change. finances. That is a tragedy in itself. Mr O’Brien. That is what it tells us, By joining together, the member In this report we can read about the and yet it does this to an organisation councils have sought to maximise low reserve figure. On page viii of the which is doing wonderful work in their capacity and resources to meet report’s audit summary it is clearly providing employment for people these challenges. stated that: with autism. I note your views about the use of The decision to largely retain the I ask the minister to investigate the ratepayers’ money by LeadWest. approvals process was made before full circumstances of Alpha Autism I can advise that the responsibility the reserve was set. with regard to commonwealth for auditing council finances lies with Further on in the report there is funding and, if necessary, to take the Auditor-General. a description of the reserve being a the appropriate steps to raise with lot lower than one would normally the federal government the need I thank you for your ongoing interest in local government. expect under the circumstances. to continue funding for this fine Everybody in this house, everybody organisation. in this Parliament and everybody in RESPONSE: COUNCIL | Statements on Reports this state knows that having electronic Hon. W. A. LOVELL (Minister for 20 February 2013 gaming machines is a licence to print Housing) — Mr Finn raised a matter money. You would expect that a for the Minister for Community government overseeing the auction Services regarding the Alpha Autism Auditor-General: of those licences would be upping group and the withdrawal of federal the ante and would be keen to get funding. This is becoming quite a as much money as it possibly could. pattern. In my local area we have seen Allocation What did we see from the Labor Party, the Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation, the former government? The licences which was founded by Allan and Kim of Electronic came in approximately $3 billion Turner after their young daughter, under the odds. Read it and weep. It Zaidee, who I think was seven years Gaming Machine is truly one of the greatest financial old, died and her family donated her Entitlements stuff-ups of our time that the Labor organs. The foundation was founded Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Party should not be allowed to forget. in her honour to raise awareness This afternoon I rise to speak on the The Victorian people should not be of organ donation, but the federal Victorian Auditor-General’s report allowed to forget this in this term of government has withdrawn its Allocation of Electronic Gaming government as we head towards the funding. The federal government has Machine Entitlements. If ever there next election. withdrawn funding from the B-Safe were a report of which it could be I weep particularly when I consider victims of domestic violence program said ‘read it and weep’, it is this what could have been bought with the in northern Victoria, and we saw it report. A number of its components $3 billion. It could have gone a very withdraw funding from the Take a I could refer to at very great length. long way to building the east-west Break occasional child-care program. Unfortunately I have only 5 minutes link, which we so desperately need in Just recently we have also seen a on this particular occasion. I could Victoria. huge cut to health funding in this easily speak on this report for 6 or I do not know if the opposition is state by the federal government. 7 hours, because if ever there were currently supporting or opposing a lesson for us on how not to do the east-west link. I am not sure if COUNCIL | Adjournment (Reply) something, it would be about how the opposition members are aware of 19 February 2013 former Labor government handled their positions at the moment; they the allocation of electronic gaming might like to tell us sometime. The machine licences. Even by Labor’s amount of $3 billion would more than standards it was one of the great stuff- cover the federal government’s health Local ups of our time. cuts that have caused so much pain We find ourselves in a situation and suffering to so many in Victorian government: once again where Labor has shown us hospitals in recent times. In my just how incompetent it is. Labor has electorate of Western Metropolitan LeadWest shown us its total inability to handle Region there are so many things we money. It is something we have could have spent that $3 billion on. funding known for decades. It did not happen, because the Labor Raised with the Minister for Local Those of us who lived through the Party cannot handle money, and it got Government on 11 October 2012 Cain and Kirner years remember it wrong again. REPLY: only too well how those governments I am advised that LeadWest was handled money. To call it flawed COUNCIL | Members Statements formed in 2007 by the municipalities would be an understatement; it was 20 February 2013 of Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Melton, deeply, deeply flawed. We remember Moonee Valley and Wyndham. the Bracks and Brumby governments; These five councils represent one of we remember myki; we remember Melbourne’s fastest growing regions. the north-south pipeline; we can Australian LeadWest performs a role in the remember the subject of the report management western Melbourne’s before me. There was one financial Workers Union: development at a time when disaster after another created by those governments. Just at the moment the leadership sustainable growth is challenged by Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) many pressures, particularly rapid Gillard government in Canberra is making a very nice mess of Australian — If we were to thoroughly examine demographic and environmental our Funk and Wagnalls, we would

IN 8 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE undoubtedly find a time in the dim, incarnation. I have to say that back do not deserve or need the stress distant past when trade unions were then — and I assume now — that of the federal government cuts to relevant. Before rorting union officials community health centre was one of funding. After all that we have finally dug their snouts deep into the trough, the best in the state. It does a great got a situation where the federal trade unions may have cared about job. government has admitted that it was the interests of their members. Before In more recent years I have had wrong, and the justified allocation is shonky union bosses used the unions further to do with that community again being directed to hospitals and as a springboard into Parliament there health centre through the early the Victorian health system. may have been a reason for trade intervention programs it runs for You look up to Canberra, as one unionism. This week’s announcement children with autism, as my son reluctantly does from time to time, by the Australian Workers Union attended there. I can recommend the and you see the three stooges of (AWU) that it is preparing to spend program it runs. It made the world of Australian politics — the Prime $5 million to support the decaying difference to my son. He started there Minister, Julia Gillard, the federal Gillard government is a further sign of when he was about three or four, and Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, the irrelevance of this dinosaur of the it made a huge difference. and the Treasurer, Wayne Swan. workplace. Community health centres do I heard Tanya Plibersek being How many members of the AWU a wonderful job. I think they are interviewed on the radio this morning were actually consulted before the largely underrated in the community, by Neil Mitchell. She clearly has decision was made to throw away $5 which is sad, because they should been taking lessons from her leader, million of their hard-earned? be given the accolades they are due. Julia Gillard, because she too lies Is Paul Howe’s ego more important They reach out to people who would through her teeth. She absolutely lies than the rights of the rank and file otherwise be left alone — the elderly, through her teeth. She did it again this — many of whom are undoubtedly the vulnerable and obviously the sick. morning, and she has done it time preparing to vote to put federal Many people in the community are and time again. opposition leader Tony Abbott helped through community health Mr Leane — On a point of order, into the Lodge come September or centres, but sometimes those centres Acting President — — whenever the election is held? Trade are seen as the poor relation of the Mr FINN — Here we go. What is unions will again be respected in this health system. That should not be the going on with Mr Leane? country when they put their members case, but I regret that it is. Mr Leane — There are all sorts of before the desires of officials to use I was pleased to hear this morning things going on with me, Mr Finn. The them as a base for their own self- that the federal government has done point of order is that I am not sure promotion. For the AWU to support another backflip, this time on the $107 that it is appropriate for a member of a government that has attacked the million that it had ripped out of the the chamber to refer to members of jobs of its members is outrageous and Victorian health system. the federal Parliament as liars. a total betrayal of those members. Mr Leane — Are you happy about A number of unparliamentary terms Today, this week, this year, for that? yet another reason the Australian were used during the last 8 minutes Workers Union stands in disgrace. Mr FINN — I am very happy about and 40 seconds of the member’s that. I am happy that Prime Minister contribution. Julia Gillard has finally admitted that Mr FINN — On the point of order, COUNCIL | Second Reading the federal Treasurer is a goose. I am Acting President, the standing orders 21 February 2013 delighted that the Prime Minister has clearly state that members of federal finally admitted that her Treasurer, Parliament and members of any other Wayne Swan, has not got the first idea Parliament are not protected. They what he is doing. I am delighted to are not given the protection that Mr Health Services hear that the Prime Minister of this Leane is seeking to give them just country says her Treasurer is a total at the minute. Secondly, as justified Amendment idiot. He has not got the first idea as it may have been, I have to point what he is doing. How can you have a out that at no time have I referred to (Health Treasurer of this nation who cannot Tanya Plibersek as a liar. I said she count? It is staggering, and clearly he lied, and by God she has, but I have Purchasing cannot read either. not referred to her as a liar. I mean, he is innumerate and The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Victoria) Bill illiterate — a total dill — and it is Ondarchie) — Order! Thank you, very encouraging to hear the Prime Mr Finn, but I uphold the point of 2012 Minister of this country tell the truth Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) order on this occasion. I remind the perhaps for the first time in her life. — I rise with a great deal of pleasure chamber of President Smith’s ruling of She has actually told the truth this to support the Health Services 12 November 2009 when he said that morning, and that makes it a red letter Amendment (Health Purchasing members should refrain from making day for us all. I might write about it Victoria) Bill 2012 this morning. Over imputations concerning members in my diary, and every year we might a long period of time I have had a from other parliaments which could celebrate 21 February as a great day of great deal to do with community be regarded as personally derogatory national celebration — that is, the day health centres. Firstly, as a member towards them. I ask the member to that Julia Gillard told the truth, which of Parliament I had a close working withdraw. is something we are not used to in this relationship with a number of Mr FINN — I will withdraw very country. local community health centres, reluctantly. particularly Sunbury Community The federal government has caused The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Health Centre, when I was the pain and suffering to many sick Ondarchie) — Order! I remind Mr member for Tullamarine in a previous people who, you would have to say, Finn that just a withdrawal will be

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 9 fine. Perhaps he does not need to make it is a particularly good bill; I might Mr FINN — I withdraw, and I wish any more phone calls, so he has actually take it home and read it to I had heard that ruling by President wandered in here. It is a marvellous the kids tonight. It is a good bill and I Smith, because clearly that is in honour. It is a delight to see him here commend it to the house. In Victoria contravention of the standing orders in one of his last appearances in this we will have great difficulty between of this Parliament. That ruling is in chamber, and I welcome him. It is a now and 14 September fighting off the contravention of our standing orders rarity. I should say to Mr Pakula that attacks of the federal government. I and, as I have said to the current we in the western suburbs will miss am delighted to say that at least one of President, I do not believe that any him. When he goes to Lyndhurst, them has failed. This is a red letter day Presiding Officer of this Parliament we will miss him — not that we see for Australia. should have the ability to rewrite the him all that often. As we know, it is This is the day that Prime Minister standing orders. a very long way from Werribee to Julia Gillard told the truth — that has Mr Barber — On a point of order, Black Rock, and he does not make never happened before. I welcome Acting President, Mr Finn is now the trek very often. But, nonetheless, the bill, I commend it to the house reflecting against the ruling of a we will miss him. When he replaces and I am delighted that members of former President, which is in exactly the member for Mulgrave in the other the opposition and the Greens will be the same vein as if he had reflected place, Daniel Andrews, as Leader of supporting it today. against you, Acting President. the Opposition, I will wave to him on the telly. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr COUNCIL | Second Reading Ondarchie) — Order! I accept Mr Mr Leane — My point of order 5 March 2013 Barber’s point of order. relates to relevance, Acting President. I think there have been rulings before Mr FINN — I think the point on talking about what happens within has been made. Members of the political parties — — opposition are very keen to protect Jury Directions the decaying government in Canberra, The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr a government that is disintegrating Ondarchie) — Order! Thank you Mr Bill 2012 Leane, I understand your point of Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — before our very eyes, and we should It gives me a great a deal of pleasure remind the electorate whenever we order and I uphold it. I am sure Mr Finn has some other substantive to rise this afternoon to support the can that this crowd opposite are in the Jury Directions Bill 2012. In doing so I pockets of Julia Gillard. They are in things to say in his contribution. I ask him to continue. believe I will give another perspective, the pockets of Tanya Plibersek. They because there are two sorts of people are in the pockets of Wayne Swan and Mr FINN — Indeed I do, Acting President. I had not actually intended who deal with the law: there are the the crew in Canberra that is screwing insiders and there are the outsiders. Victoria over at every opportunity. to speak for this long, but the provocation from the other side of the I have to say very firmly that I am That crowd over there are the ones an outsider, and, like the majority of who put their own — — house, I am sure you will agree, has led me to go a little bit further than I Victorians, I wish to stay that way for Mr Leane — On a point of as long as is humanly possible. order, Acting President, back on would otherwise have done. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Mr O’Brien, as a barrister and a unparliamentary terms. I am not too man who, I understand, was paid by sure if ‘screwing’ is a parliamentary Ondarchie) — Order! Mr Finn will continue on the bill. the word at some previous stage in his term that we use in this particular career, understands the law very well chamber. Mr FINN — I am reaching out to indeed. Mr FINN — I said ‘screwing Mr Pakula in the way that a caring, sharing, compassionate person Mr Lenders — Wouldn’t you like to over’, which is totally different from wear the wig? ‘screwing’. would. I am with him. I say to him, Mr FINN — That might be for The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr ‘I am with you, brother; don’t you worry about that!’. I am with him as he another time; I will get back to you Ondarchie) — Order! I will not uphold on that one. Mr O’Brien is a man the point of order in this case. attempts — — The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr who has a very deep and thorough Mr FINN — Shaun is having a big understanding of the law and has day. I will not go on for too much Ondarchie) — Order! Back to the bill, Mr Finn. conducted his professional life with longer. As I said, I think the point distinction and considerable skill. His has been made. I hope the people Mr FINN — Certainly, Acting understanding of the law is way above of Victoria realise just how severely President. This is a particularly good mine or that of the average person they have been betrayed, not just by bill. It is not a big bill — — in the street. I include myself in the the Gillard government but by the Hon. M. P. Pakula — And I haven’t category of the ‘average person in the Victorian ALP. I sincerely hope the read it. I have no idea what it’s about. street’. I think the average person is people of Victoria know and accept Mr FINN — Mr Pakula has not very much like me and does not want that they have been totally and actually read the bill. He comes to have much to do with the law at comprehensively betrayed by the in here and starts yelling at me; fit all, firstly, because involvement with Labor Party. to burst, he is. He is fresh off the the law usually means that you are Hon. M. P. Pakula — Are you telephone, having got the numbers in trouble, and secondly, because making the same speech again? for his nomination for the seat of any involvement with the law will Mr FINN — Here comes the Leader Lyndhurst — — cost you an arm and a leg; that is not of the Opposition! I am sorry — Mr The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr something that anybody is too keen to Pakula has entered the chamber. He Ondarchie) — Order! I am sure Mr jump into. has managed to get off the phone for Finn has read the bill. Go back to it, The bill makes reforms in six main long enough to come in here — or please. areas. It provides guiding principles perhaps he already has the numbers. Mr FINN — Certainly. As I said, to aid in the interpretation of the bill,

IN 10 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE which is helpful because anything adjudicating on. This bill is about interested in the rights of victims that aids in the interpretation of the simplifying the jury process, and that and the justice they sought for the law or people’s understanding of the has to be a good thing, because, as crimes committed against them. I law has to be a very good thing. There Mr Elasmar mentioned earlier, the am particularly delighted to say that is a general perception that the law jury system provides judgement by a Attorney-General Clark has included is created for lawyers by lawyers at person’s peers. Hopefully it provides the rights of victims on his agenda as the exclusion of all else, and this bill a judgement that surpasses that of a very high priority, and this bill is a goes some way toward breaking down a judge alone and allows varying further part of that. that perception in the community. differences and opinions to enter the I again congratulate the Attorney- The bill sets down new processes for realm of discussion whilst the jury is General. I am delighted the identifying the directions a trial judge considering its verdict. opposition and the Greens are not must give to a jury, again providing an I have never been on a jury. I have opposing this bill; in fact they may outline to the judge on what he or she never been called up to be on a jury. even be supporting it. Would we go may be able to do to help the jury at I am not overly enthusiastic about that far? some stage. the prospect of doing it, and Mr Mr Elasmar interjected. The bill clarifies the obligation of Ondarchie tells me I am not eligible, Mr FINN — Would Mr Elasmar go the trial judge to identify evidence so that rules that out for the moment. so far as saying he supports it? He is and encourages a targeted and I assume I am not eligible because not going to stick his neck out on that succinct summing-up. That is a very I am a member of Parliament, not one, but he is certainly not opposing important part of this bill, because the because I have lost my mind or it. The Labor Party is not opposing summing-up is far more important some other possibility that members the bill. That is a very good thing. That than any direction that may be given opposite — or indeed some members means that when I sit down and we by the judge. on this side — may well suggest. have another couple of speakers we Once members of a jury have I see I have stolen Mr Scheffer’s will get this bill through the house sat through a trial, heard all the line; he is showing his disapproval very quickly, and that will be a very evidence and perhaps asked the judge just at this minute! It is extremely good thing for justice in Victoria. particular questions, I personally find important that we allow members of it to be a little odd that they receive juries a simplified way to understand direction from the judge. I think exactly what it is they are on about. I COUNCIL | Adjournment direction should be limited, and the congratulate the Attorney-General on 5 March 2013 summing-up should pretty much what he has done. cover that portal, if I can call it that. I I have to say I agree with Mr think any direction from the judge is Elasmar on many things, but we must Planning: unnecessary. part company on his view of Rob The bill also improves the way Hulls, the former Attorney-General, Maribyrnong directions are given to the jury by because I do not think Rob Hulls supporting the use of integrated jury as Attorney-General in this state development directions, and that again is going did justice in Victoria any good at Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) to provide assistance for juries in all — none, zilch. As I pointed out to — My adjournment matter is for making decisions which obviously this house, one of the great joys of the Minister for Planning, the in many cases will decide the future November 2010 was the knowledge Honourable Matthew Guy. I begin life directions of many people and that we were to get an Attorney- by thanking the minister for the determine justice or injustice in General who actually cared about the interest and the support he has given this state. The bill allows trial judges law and was not interested in pushing to the western suburbs of Melbourne to answer questions from juries his own particular social agenda, since becoming a minister a little about the meaning of ‘proof beyond as Rob Hulls had done for 11 years over two years ago. It is very much reasonable doubt’ and provides as Attorney-General. I congratulate appreciated, particularly when we guidance to the trial judge on the the current Attorney-General on consider the previous 11 years of content of such a direction. That is this bill, and I am sure that on many neglect experienced by the west of very important because the jurors occasions to come I will be up on Melbourne. This matter is the direct who are making the decision must my hindquarters congratulating the result of a meeting I conducted last be very clear in their own minds as to Attorney-General on future pieces week with the mayor and the CEO exactly what they are doing and what of legislation that will be introduced of the City of Maribyrnong, and it they are deciding. and undoubtedly passed to make the concerns the Maribyrnong defence It is extremely important that the law a better thing for Victorians and force site development — and I hope trial judge be allowed to answer indeed to make justice a better thing Mr Tee is listening to this because it is questions from the jury in a simplified for Victoria. something that may interest him. manner and provide guidance or As I have said in this house before, To give a little bit of history of indeed answers to such questions. we do not need a legal system; we the area that I am talking about, Finally, the bill provides for need a justice system. It is about the decision to develop the former simple and clear directions on justice. defence site for a new housing evidence of post-offence conduct. I The legal system — the justice estate and some office buildings understand that would be largely to system — is not about making lawyers was announced by the previous do with sentencing, but either way, rich. It is not about employing judges. government on 9 April 2009. The site whether it be before sentencing or It is about providing justice for is a 128-hectare site situated in the during the sentencing process, it is Victorians, and that brings me to the suburb of Maribyrnong. It borders extremely important that the jury victims. Mr Hulls as Attorney-General the Maribyrnong River to the north, have as firm an idea as possible of completely forgot about the rights east and west and Cordite Avenue what it is deciding and what it is of victims. He was not even mildly to the south. The site has previously

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 11 been used for defence department some federal cash for the desperately government to protect its citizens. activities, but it has been substantially needed east-west link. Maybe we’ll Without that protection we are all in vacant for approximately 10 years. get some federal money for our dreadful trouble; it is as simple as that. It is proposed to develop the site for overstretched health services. There I ask the house to remember that over approximately 2000 to 3000 dwellings are so many needs, and the Prime the last six years or so I have spoken and significant office developments Minister is riding into town to grant frequently on policing matters, employing 2000 to 3000 workers. our every wish’. I was barely able to particularly when I have believed that The site contains approximately breathe from excitement. the police force has been treated in a 400 buildings used by the defence The house can imagine my disgust way that was not up to scratch or that industries, and many of these will be when I discovered that Ms Gillard it has been given the rough end of the incorporated into the final design and was not headed for Ravenhall but for pineapple. layout. Those of us who live locally Rooty Hill and that she was not going We really owe it to our citizens to and the Maribyrnong City Council to spend time with the good people of have a police force which is efficient, are hoping that this matter will be Melbourne’s west but was going to try which is well resourced and which finalised within the next two to three to win back disgruntled Labor voters has the high morale and authority years, but we are waiting on the in Sydney who, unfortunately for her, required to actually do its job. federal government to come through can see right through her pathetic Over the past 15 years or so there with the promised money to clean up election stunt and are making their have been times when that has not the land, which members can imagine disgust abundantly clear. While necessarily been the case, and I am is heavily — — Julia Gillard is spending the week in delighted to see that we now have a Mr Ondarchie interjected. Sydney’s west in a vain attempt to save Chief Commissioner of Police who is Mr FINN — We are waiting on the the ALP, the people of Melbourne’s doing a very good job. If you were to feds yet again. western suburbs are wondering when drop into a police station anywhere in we will get our fair share from her. Victoria, you would see a higher level Mrs Coote — It is not in the west of Despite the fact we have the Prime of satisfaction among members of our Sydney. Minister herself and two other federal police force than we have had for a Mr FINN — That is right, Mrs Coote; ministers — three until recently — very long time, and that is a very good it is not in the west of Sydney. That is allegedly representing us in the west, thing. probably why the federal government we get precious little from Canberra. Mr Leane — Why did Bill Tilley lose has not shown any interest at The anger felt by those of us in the his gig? all in providing the money to western suburbs as we watched our Mr FINN — I do not know what decontaminate the site we are talking Sydney counterparts being bribed to about. The local federal member that has to do with this particular within an inch of their lives will not be bill. I know Mr Leane is desperately for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, has forgotten easily. been throwing his weight around keen to impose himself upon this apparently. If grandstanding was an We will not forget that we rarely debate in a vain bid to appear relevant Olympic sport, he would not be able see Julia Gillard, federal Minister for in some way to this Parliament, to walk for gold medals. However, Immigration and Citizenship Brendan but unfortunately, like on so many there has been very little action. O’Connor or federal Minister for occasions, Mr Leane has failed again. Employment and Workplace Relations It is almost four years since this That is something that we have Bill Shorten, much less get a sniff of come to expect from Mr Leane, and project was put forward, and I ask the newly printed banknotes they are the minister to meet with the council here we go again. flashing around Sydney’s west in such Honourable members interjecting. as a matter of urgency to develop large quantities. Most importantly, we a plan to bring pressure on the will not forget that preparing to dump Mr FINN — It is staggering. I federal government to provide the local MPs brings national attention come in here to speak on these money that has been promised for and is the sort of manna from heaven very important matters which Melbourne’s west. we could previously only dream of. the people of Victoria take very Who knows — if we get angry enough, seriously, and rightly so — their own COUNCIL | Members Statements we might even score ourselves a visit personal protection, the protection 6 March 2013 from the Prime Minister. of their assets and property and the protection of their families are very important matters — and Mr Leane COUNCIL | Second Reading attempts to trivialise it. I do not Western 7 March 2013 understand why he wants to do that, although the Labor Party, over a long suburbs: federal period of time, has been soft on law and order. I do not think there is any government Corrections doubt about that. Amendment Bill Mr Somyurek — It is not about the support Labor Party. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — 2012 Mr FINN — Mr Somyurek says it There were no words to describe my Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — is not about the Labor Party, and excitement when I heard the Prime It gives me a great deal of pleasure to certainly it had not been my intention Minister, Ms Gillard, was to visit the support the Corrections Amendment to raise the Labor Party in this debate, western suburbs to meet with locals, Bill 2012 in the house today, because but given Mr Leane’s — — hear of their problems and, most as many members would be aware Mr Somyurek — You were importantly, shower them with gold law and order has been an issue provoked, were you? in order to gain their favour. ‘At long close to my heart for a very long last’, I thought to myself, ‘we’ll get Mr FINN — I was provoked indeed, time. I believe it is the first duty of Mr Somyurek. I have been provoked

IN 12 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE by Mr Leane, who has entered this here to debate a bill on corrections on this — at some stage reassess our debate in a most unfortunate manner, and wants to talk about a boat views on this matter. In years gone one that I do not think the people of ramp. After what has happened this by I was a very strong opponent of Victoria would welcome, particularly week, nothing would surprise me — the death penalty. I have reassessed those who are concerned about these absolutely nothing at all. my views on this matter in relation serious matters. I do not think the Mr Leane interjected. to drug bosses and terrorists, and it people of Victoria would be at all The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr is something we as a society should pleased that a member of the Labor Ramsay) — Order! Mr Leane! Mr Finn, have a look at. We should revisit it Party in this Parliament would seek to without assistance. because it is a matter that strikes at trivialise this very important matter, the heart of us all. because law and order, policing and Mr FINN — I hope Mr Leane will take note of your much-deserved As the father of young children — corrections are very important — the father of a teenager in fact — I extremely important — matters. rebuke of him, Acting President, for his continual interjections and believe very strongly that we cannot Mr Somyurek interjected. disruption of the proceedings of the go in hard enough against these drug Mr FINN — Quite frankly, he should house. barons because the drugs they are peddling, producing and bringing into know better. I would have expected What I was saying earlier is that in more from Mr Leane than what he has this country pose the greatest single the law and order area we need to threat to many of our children. attempted to do here today. ensure that we have a complete cycle An honourable member — You that is effective from start to finish As everybody in this house knows, shouldn’t. — from the point where police arrest as far as I am concerned children Mr FINN — I should not; that is alleged offenders to a time when are sacrosanct; you just do not true. I have been in here with Mr they are put before the courts and are touch them. Adults can look after Leane for over six years, and I do not subject to a justice system, and to a themselves, but the innocence know why I would have expected point where, if they are found guilty of of children and young people is more, because quite frankly he has the crimes with which they have been something we must protect at all form, if I can use that term, with charged, then they are sentenced and costs. I could go into many other regard to these matters, and like go to correctional facilities. Those issues on that score, but in terms his colleagues in the Labor Party, sentences should be carried out and of the sentencing of drug lords when we seek to discuss these should be respected. and terrorists I believe we should very important matters he quite revisit the ultimate penalty. That is I have spoken about sentencing something that should be applied to often seeks the lowest common on a number of occasions in this denominator. Members of the Labor those who are found guilty of those house, and I have expressed a view crimes. I do not think it would happen Party seek to bring these matters that in certain instances I believe down to their level, and I think that very often, clearly, but you would not sentences are very lean, if I can use have to do it very often; with one or is deeply regrettable. It brings this that term, and need to be stiffened Parliament into some degree of two the message would get across up, particularly for drug dealers and very quickly. disrepute, of which none of us should terrorists. I have made no secret be or can be at all proud, so I caution of the fact that I believe we should I support this particular piece of Mr Leane and members opposite reintroduce the death penalty for legislation very strongly. As I said the about continuing down that path. such offenders — not for all offenders, other day, this government is a very I do not think it is going too far but certainly for drug dealers. I refer strong proponent of law and order in to suggest that these are life-and- to drug kingpins, not the clowns this state. The previous government death issues, because without proper on the street who sell the drugs failed the people of Victoria. policing, protection, corrections but the people who coordinate We know the Greens are not systems and so forth that go with a the whole system — the ones up particularly keen on law and order strong law and order policy, people’s the top of the tree — who make at all; in fact I sometimes think the lives would be at risk. Members of the millions if not hundreds of millions Greens would be very happy if the Labor Party should take that on board of dollars, making themselves very police went around with targets on before trying to turn this place into a rich from other people’s misery and their backs, such is their contempt for circus — with or without elephants. indeed killing our kids. Under any our law enforcement agencies and Hon. W. A. Lovell interjected. circumstances we should not tolerate those in the thin blue line who protect us. I certainly believe this legislation Mr FINN — White elephants? I am this. I have spoken in this house about the need for zero tolerance in our is very necessary. I believe this sorry, Ms Lovell, we are not talking legislation will make our correctional about the desal plant just at the approach to drugs, and zero tolerance should go as far as the ultimate system a better system, and I believe minute — or the north-south pipeline, the continuum of law and order in or even the carbon tax for that matter. penalty for those who coordinate drug businesses and reap the rewards, rich this state will be served very well by Ms Pennicuik interjected. as they are, from the evil business this bill. I commend the government Mr FINN — Ms Pennicuik wants they are involved in. for bringing it before the house, and to talk about a boat ramp. I have no The issue of terrorism speaks for I urge all members to give it a speedy idea why she wants to talk about itself. When somebody performs passage. a boat ramp, but I am happy to an act of terror they have declared accommodate her if at some stage war on our society, and in a time of we get time. I do not know what is war we have the right to use capital going on. It has to be said that this punishment. Certainly the war on week this place is fairly interesting, to terror is just as much a war as any understate the matter significantly. other war. We should, and I believe we Quite frankly it does not surprise me must — I am certainly open to debate at all that Ms Pennicuik comes in

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 13 COUNCIL | Questions without Notice next step. who are from or formerly from 19 March 2013 Mrs Kronberg would know from Melbourne’s west might now move the parliamentary Outer Suburban/ into their new seats, Mr Pakula. Interface Services and Development That aside, I simply say that this is Committee’s trip to Vancouver how an important study. It is an important Port Phillip Bay: important water-based transport input into the metropolitan planning ferry service is. She knows firsthand how cities strategy and one we are very proud Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) can be made more sustainable. That to have launched today to show — My question without notice is committee knows from its report how that water-based transport from directed to the Minister for Planning, cities can be much more sustainable the western suburbs of Melbourne and I ask: can the minister advise the when you use all the options available is viable. It can happen, and this house what action the government for livability — that is, road, rail and government is going to take it to the has taken to facilitate new travel water. Port Phillip Bay is one of the next step. outcomes for those who live in new largest inland bodies of water in the estates in Melbourne’s growth areas? world. It is ridiculous that we do COUNCIL | Adjournment not look at inputs to metropolitan 19 March 2013 Hon. M. J. GUY (Minister for planning visions about better utilising Planning) — I thank Mr Finn for a that resource. very important question. Indeed I thank him, Mr Elsbury and Mr Katos, In the past some people said that the member for South Barwon in the Fishermans Bend idea would Essendon: traffic the Assembly, who joined me this be a thought bubble, and then the morning in launching the first stage rezoning occurred. Some said that management of a government feasibility study the metropolitan planning strategy into the possibility of water-based had stalled, and then we had the plan Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) transport for Geelong, the Bellarine biggest consultation ever for a — I raise a matter for the Minister Peninsula and the western suburbs of metropolitan planning strategy in for Roads, and it concerns issues Melbourne. Australia’s history. Some said that this very study will never be complete that were raised at a meeting I had The transport study that we and will never happen. Those people yesterday with representatives of looked at this morning is integral from the Australian Labor Party stand Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar to the government’s blueprint condemned for their negativity, those School in Essendon. There are a for metropolitan Melbourne, the who are akin to a Soviet politburo, number of schools in the vicinity of metropolitan Melbourne planning who were all the grey-suited, besuited Lowther Hall, including St Columba’s strategy, which we are working on, fellows who sat in the Kremlin in College and Penleigh and Essendon and of course to the G21 strategy for the 1970s and 1980s, rotting away, Grammar School, and those three Greater Geelong. We looked at stop plotting the world in their own little schools involve a goodly number locations, population demand, travel socialist fantasies. Speaking of which of students and inevitably parents times, vessels that would be needed, — — who drop the students off, leading to water draft or depth, environment, Honourable members interjecting. absolute traffic bedlam at the drop- and of course the boat speed that off and collection times later in the would be needed to put in place a Mr Viney — On a point of order, afternoon. service from the western suburbs. President, apart from the fact that you are wearing a grey suit, I suggest to To add to that confusion, Buckley Melbourne’s western suburbs are Street, Essendon, has a level crossing growing inexorably. They have been you that the Minister for Planning is debating the question. which is causing some degree of growing much faster over the last 15 distress for motorists given that years than anyone had forecast 20 The PRESIDENT — Order! On the the increased number of trains years ago. The previous government point of order, yes, I think the minister that the north-western suburbs are ignored Melbourne’s western suburbs was showing some licence. He was now enjoying is causing no end of — utterly ignored them. That is why perhaps giving us a bit of a history problems for drivers, some of whom this government is getting on with lesson, but nonetheless I am not have been stuck at the crossing for the job. The coalition government has sure that it was as pertinent to the up to 10 minutes at a time. That made an effort to go and find ways to question, which was about water- adds further to the concerns of make life more livable for residents based transport from Geelong, as I parents dropping their children off of Melbourne’s western suburbs. In might have expected. The minister to at the three schools to which I refer suburbs where infrastructure was not complete his answer. — St Columba’s, Lowther Hall and put in place 10 or 15 years ago, this Hon. M. J. GUY — As I was saying Penleigh and Essendon Grammar government is doing it now. in conclusion, the initiative to look at School — about how they access That is why we are getting on with that water-based transport option is the area around the school, and it is the Sneydes Road interchange, that very significant. It is very significant causing considerable concern. is why we are getting on with the East for Melbourne’s growing western The parents that I spoke to yesterday Werribee employment centre and that suburbs. Mr O’Brien knows this in have expressed their very great fears is why we are moving the feasibility terms of his interest in innovative that if something is not done very study for water-based transport to ways to get from our second largest soon, a child will be hit and killed. I the next step. We hope the public city to Melbourne, Mrs Kronberg have raised this matter with the mayor consultation that we are asking for knows this from her committee’s work of Moonee Valley Council, and I will will bring back ideas from the private in Vancouver, and Mr Finn and Mr continue to do so. sector on how this might operate Elsbury know this as they live and She is a very good mayor and will — ticket prices, cost, government breathe it, coming from Melbourne’s do what she can to assist because it subsidies — and how we take it to the west. Hopefully some other members is at least partially a council matter,

IN 14 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE but I am asking the Minister for Roads continue to strongly advocate on (4) all minutes and other to direct VicRoads, in consultation behalf of Victorian hospitals to ensure documentation of meetings held and cooperation with the Moonee that Victoria is not disadvantaged with over 40 entities by the Minister Valley council, to conduct a traffic from the carbon price compared to for Roads and/or Department of management plan which will identify other states or to industries that are Transport representatives relating to the proposed east-west tunnel options to solve the problems facing receiving support. infrastructure project, which are hundreds, if not thousands, of people referenced in the media release on a daily basis in this area at the COUNCIL | Adjournment (Reply) ‘East-west link is declared under moment. It is dangerous, it is traffic 19 March 2013 major transport projects act’. bedlam, and what I have asked for Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) will go some way towards solving the — I thank Mrs Kronberg for her problem. contribution; I appreciate it. I rise in Rail: St Albans the house this afternoon on behalf of COUNCIL | Adjournment (Reply) the people of the western suburbs of 19 March 2013 level crossing Melbourne to say, quite categorically Raised with the Minister for Roads and without hesitation: we support on 5 February 2013 the east-west link. We totally and REPLY: completely support the east-west link. Health: western The Victorian government has It is without doubt the most important confirmed the removal of the Main piece of infrastructure needed in suburbs Road level crossing in St Albans as a Victoria right now. Raised with the Minister for Health priority, with works to commence in on 13 December 2012 If anybody is in any doubt about the first term of government. how desperately we need the east- REPLY: I will seek to clarify with the federal west link, this morning all they would With regard to past neglect of Minister for Infrastructure and have needed to do was look at the health services in the western Transport what level of financial West Gate Freeway; it was banked suburbs by Labor governments, the contribution the federal Government back to Duncans Road — to Werribee Baillieu government has proactively is prepared to make, in order to — from the bridge. You just have to undertaken service and capital assist the Victorian government’s drive down the Tullamarine Freeway planning initiatives with the aim of commitment to this project. any morning and you will see that the progressively improving provision freeway is chock-a-block, with red of health services for people in the lights as far as the eye can see. The western suburbs. COUNCIL 20 March 2013 growth in the west and north-west of In recognition of the demographic Melbourne has been extraordinary trends contributing to strong demand over recent years, and as a result our growth, particularly for the catchment roads have struggled to cope. You area served by Sunshine Hospital, Production Of would go as far as to say, in fact, that capital funding of $15.1 million was they have not coped. There are a lot allocated by the Baillieu government Documents more minor roads that are struggling, to Western Health in the 2012-13 Mr BARBER (Northern of course, but our freeways, into state budget. Together with $3.5 Metropolitan) — I move: which all these minor roads funnel million funding through the National That this house requires the traffic, have not been able to cope at Partnership Agreement on Improving Leader of the Government to all. Public Hospital services, this project table in the Legislative Council on We therefore desperately need the will deliver up to 13 additional Tuesday, 16 April 2013, a copy of: east-west link. critical-care beds and two additional (1) all documents relating Mr Barber — To go to Doncaster? labour delivery rooms at the Sunshine to the ‘Route alignments peer Hospital. reviewed and short-listed’ and Mr FINN — The people of the western suburbs demand that the The second matter raised was ‘Communications and engagement east-west link be built. the additional cost impost of the strategy finalised’ referred to on carbon price and its impact on page 3 of ‘East-west link reform Mr Barber interjected. and investment framework — health service delivery. On 19 June Mr FINN — Mr Barber does not stages 1 to 6’ dated August 2012, particularly care about people in last year I advised the house, based which formed part of the east-west on modelling commissioned by the link submission to Infrastructure the outer suburbs of Melbourne. Department of Health, that it was Australia; He makes that very clear on a very estimated that the impact of the frequent basis. A lot of the people (2) the agenda, minutes, any using the West Gate Freeway and the carbon price at Western Health would attachments to the minutes and equate to approximately 106 elective any presentations or materials Tullamarine Freeway — yes — do procedures based on the average tabled in relation to each meeting want to go further. As Mrs Kronberg weighted cost of a surgical procedure. of the Department of Transport’s said, 40 per cent of users on those More recent analysis of actual east-west steering committee to freeways want to go beyond the city. energy and billing data indicates that date; They would use that tunnel. the cost of carbon for Western Health (3) all documents (including I can say to Mr Barber through you, over 2012-13 will now be in the order invitees list, agenda, minutes Acting President, that he might be of $638 000, which equates to some where they exist and the Microsoft interested to know that in a previous 128 elective procedures based on the PowerPoint presentation used) life I travelled from Sunbury to average weighted cost of a surgical relating to a briefing, held on 17 Wantirna and back again on a daily procedure. July 2012 at the Treasury building, basis. When I began that daily trek on the development of a business it took me about an hour and three- The Baillieu government will case for the east-west link; and

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 15 quarters. Two years later it was taking with baseball bats just waiting for cheeseburger in the bin and vote for me between two and a half hours the opportunity to get hold of the Tony Abbott in very large numbers, and two and three-quarter hours. Gillard government — or it may be because they can see he has made a Generally speaking it was taking me the Rudd government by that time, commitment to the sorts of projects about an hour longer than it had or it could be the Crean government. that people want. two years earlier when I had begun Alternatively, as I said this morning, This is taxpayers money that we are taking that journey. I certainly, Dick Adams deserves a run because talking about. therefore, would have jumped at the we have not had a Tasmanian prime To listen to Labor members, to opportunity to get in a tunnel and minister for a very long time, and listen to Mr Barber, you would think travel from the Tullamarine Freeway I think Dick is prime ministerial it was their money. It is not; this is the to the Eastern Freeway. That would material. taxpayers money; this is the people have been absolutely delightful. Mr Ramsay interjected. of Australia’s money. As governments For the life of me I cannot work out Mr FINN — He carries a lot of we have an obligation, a duty, and why Mr Barber is so opposed to this. weight behind him — but then in the privilege to distribute that money There are thousands and thousands front of him, too. He is beside the according to our priorities. That is of cars that every day travel down point to a large extent. This plan is as it should be. I personally would the Eastern Freeway, and what do quite vexing for the Labor Party, much rather see a little less of it being they do when they get to the end because while the party used to distributed, but that is something we of the Eastern Freeway? They hit be very supportive of it, now it is can discuss another day. The Labor Collingwood, they hit North Fitzroy totally opposed to it, according to Party and the Greens seem to think it and they hit Carlton. Who do you Mr Tee. However, according to Mr is their money to distribute according think largely inhabit Collingwood, Leane perhaps the Labor Party is to their own sectional needs, whereas North Fitzroy and Carlton? not so opposed to the idea of the we on this side of the house accept Mrs Kronberg — The Greens. link. Perhaps Mr Leane might have that the money that comes from Mr FINN — The Greens voters! some idea of what the people in his taxpayers should be returned to You would think, Acting President, electorate think. I have absolutely no taxpayers either directly through tax that Mr Barber would be absolutely doubt that Mr Tee has not got a clue. cuts or via these projects which will jubilant at the prospect that all those Mr Tee gets around with a bubble benefit the greatest number of people. cars travelling through Collingwood, around his head. He is not on the I do not think any member in this North Fitzroy and Carlton would be same planet as the rest of us, but Mr chamber, if they were honest with going through a tunnel underground. Leane just might be. He might have themselves and with us, could say If you had half a brain in your head, visited the local hotel, the local TAB that the east-west link will not benefit wouldn’t you say, ‘Yes, I want to clear or his local footy match and got a very millions of Victorians, because clearly the streets where my voters live. I good idea from his constituents that it will. want to get rid of all those dreadful they too support the east-west link If Mr Barber, Mr Leane and Mr Tee cars that are polluting the city with and they want government to build have a different view, can I suggest CO2, that dreadful gas, and sending it. To be kind to him, he very largely that they do a run on the Tullamarine it into the ozone layer’ or wherever conceded the next federal election Freeway or the West Gate Freeway it is this week that it goes. You would to us. To be perfectly frank, that is a tomorrow and tell those people who think that Mr Barber would absolutely reasonable thing for anybody to do, are patiently waiting in their cars to be champing at the bit to have the given what — — get across the West Gate Bridge or east-west link built; but no, when it Mr Ramsay interjected. through the tunnel or into the city off comes to the Greens, logic comes a Mr FINN — He has been pragmatic. the Tullamarine Freeway that their very distant last on every front. It is a When he was working with Dean time does not matter, that Labor and nonsense to suggest otherwise. Mighell in the Electrical Trades Union the Greens do not really care that The Labor Party has its own all those years ago, the degree of those thousands of people are stuck problems in that it does not actually pragmatism he showed had to be seen in traffic on a daily basis, because that know what it wants to do. to be believed. is the truth. They do not care about My understanding is that it used to But he understands that the people people stuck in traffic jams every day. support the east-west link, and then of the eastern suburbs, and indeed If they did care, they would be in here there was a by-election in Melbourne. the people of the western suburbs, are in large numbers supporting the east- It was desperate to keep that seat very anxious to vote for the Leader west link. of Melbourne; can you believe that of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, for a It is not surprising that the Greens in this day and age the Labor Party number of reasons but in particular oppose this project. If there is one regards Melbourne as a marginal because of the $1.5 billion that Tony thing you can say about the Greens, seat? It is extraordinary. That tells us Abbott has committed to the east- it is that they are consistent, whereas a great deal about how the stocks of west link — a very important project. the Labor Party is incompetent and the ALP have fallen in this country. I It has to be added that it is not just will go to extraordinary lengths to do not know whether that was due to the people of the eastern and western prove it, whether it be at state or the fact that people had not forgiven suburbs who will benefit from this federal level. the state Labor government for the link. The benefits of this project will However, the Greens deliberately go neglect and vandalism it caused go right through to Ballarat for the out of their way to destroy civilisation in Victoria over 11 long years, or people of Ballarat to enjoy. The people as we know it, and that includes whether they were taking it out on of Geelong down on the Surf Coast the motor car. Its members hate the state Labor Party for the sins of will also enjoy the very real benefits the motor car. In fact the last time the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and of this project. I am sure that, for anybody hated motor cars as much as her government in Canberra. Clearly example, when people in the federal the Greens it was a bloke called John that is ongoing and there are a lot of electorate of Corangamite decide to Cain, a former Premier of Victoria. He people who are on their verandas vote later this year they will put the hated freeways so much — —

IN 16 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE Hon. D. M. Davis — He built a car our own freedom but we have always apart from the fact that Richmond is park — the south-eastern car park! jumped to the defence of freedom playing, it is being played at the MCG Mr FINN — He did build a car park, whenever it has been under siege. under lights in front of what will be as Mr Davis points out. He built the For Senator Stephen Conroy and close to a capacity crowd. As anybody car park that is the Monash Freeway, his government comrades to attempt who has ever been in that situation as it is called now. Back then John to stifle a free media flies in the face knows, there is nothing better. It is Cain told his driver that he was not of everything this nation stands for. just brilliant. It is Melbourne at its allowed to travel on freeways. They Either legislation to regulate content best. It is quintessential Melbourne would travel miles out of their way of the media or this federal Labor and something that we on this side just to avoid a freeway. One cannot government should go. Come to think of the house are very proud of. It is a begin to imagine how much carbon of it, the best interests of Australians pity that those in the Labor Party have dioxide and how many emissions would be well served if they were both attempted to trash the legacy that we were sent into the atmosphere as a turfed out. Thousands have fought as Victorians are all so proud of. result of that Premier’s particular and died for our freedom. It must not hatred of freeways and efficient be torn from us by the insanity of a COUNCIL | Condolences motoring. desperate government on the mat 16 April 2013 But the Greens just hate cars. for the final time. Our freedom as I hope Mr Barber and his comrades Australians is too important. in the Greens will strongly support the proposal that Mr Guy, Mr Elsbury, Mr COUNCIL | Second Reading Bruce Albert Katos, the member for South Barwon 21 March 2013 in the other place, and I put forward Edward Skeggs, this week — that ferries should soon OAM take many thousands of people from Major Sporting Hon. D. M. DAVIS (Minister for the western suburbs to the city. It is Health) — By leave, I move: an exciting development that I believe will engage the imagination and Events That this house expresses its support of the people of the western sincere sorrow at the death on 21 suburbs, but we have not heard from March 2013 of Mr Bruce Albert Amendment Bill Edward Skeggs, OAM, and places the Greens about whether or not they on record its acknowledgement support that. One would think that 2013 Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) of the valuable services rendered to get all those cars off the roads and by him to the Parliament and the onto a ferry — — — I have always been of the view people of Victoria as a member of that it is a bipartisan agreement Business interrupted pursuant to the Legislative Assembly for the between members in this house and standing orders. (Resumes 17 April electoral district of Ivanhoe from those in the other place that Victoria 2013) 1973 to 1982 and the Legislative is regarded as the sporting capital Council for the electoral province of of Australia; in many circles it is Templestowe from 1988 to 1996. COUNCIL | Members Statements regarded as the sporting capital of the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) 20 March 2013 world. Then Mr Tee got up today and — It has to be said first and foremost tried to trash Melbourne’s reputation that whichever way you look at it as the sporting capital of this nation. Bruce Skeggs was a man of substance, I have heard some appalling things in and considerable substance at that. Media: federal this Parliament over the past 20 years, When we consider the life and times but I cannot believe that a member of of Bruce Skeggs, I cannot help but government the opposition would try to hammer draw some parallels with myself. He Melbourne’s reputation — and it is was a broadcaster. He called the trots; legislation an international reputation — as the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) I think they call it harness racing now, sporting capital of this nation. — Our national capital is always but in his day they were called the an intriguing place, but no more so If Mr Tee has any doubts about trots or the red hots. There are myriad than today. As the glint of the caucus whether Melbourne is the sporting stories that one could tell about guillotine gleams in the autumn sun capital of Australia or about what its his days calling the trots, including of Canberra, bookies take money on position is in terms of sport, he should the fact that he was, from what I exactly who will be Prime Minister go to Moonee Valley tomorrow night. understand, an excellent tipster. At a by 4.00 p.m. today. Will Julia Gillard He should go to see Black Caviar, moment’s notice he would be able to survive? Will Kevin Rudd return? along with the tens of thousands of tip a winner for anybody who asked Will Simon Crean make the biggest other Victorians who will be there to him, but he never took to the punt comeback for 2000 years? My rank see her. because he believed that it was a outsider is Dick Adams. We have not He should come with me to the conflict of interest. That is probably had a Prime Minister from Tasmania MCG next Thursday night when not something that we see a lot of for years, and nobody can deny 80 000 or 90 000 people will cram in today. Having worked with other race that Dick is a man of considerable under lights to see Richmond beat callers, I know that that is not their substance. Carlton in what will be a magnificent view at all. While the Labor leadership circus is first game for the start of the AFL Bruce Skeggs was also a political in full swing, what is left of the Gillard season in Melbourne. There is, I commentator on radio 3XY for many government is attempting the greatest understand, some minor game on in years. attack on freedom in Australia since Adelaide or somewhere tomorrow I can only imagine that booming the bombs fell on Darwin. Australia is night, but the big game is next week. voice expressing the views of the a land of freedom. Not only do we love The big game is next week because, Liberal Party over the airwaves back

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 17 during his time on 3XY. warmly into this Parliament when I companies, to use the capability He was an icon of those from the was first elected in 1992, and I will and intellectual property of our other side of the Yarra or from the never forget the warmth and support technology companies to improve north and north-west of Melbourne. that he showed me in the first term of the products and processes of the He did not do it all that easily to the Kennett government. I would like proponent organisation. Last week begin with. Before he was elected to to take this opportunity to put on the I was delighted to visit the small Parliament he contested the federal record my thanks not only for those technology cluster in Scoresby, seat of Batman for the Liberal Party on times but also for his contribution which is a great hub of innovation three occasions. They could not have to his state, his community and his where a large number of technology been fun times, but he always flew the nation. Bruce Skeggs, in my view, companies all work on either Liberal flag wherever it needed to be was a good man; he was a great man. nanotechnology or microtechnology flown. Indeed he was a man who fought the in product development. Then he became mayor of the then good fight. They are all clustered in the one city of Heidelberg, and he became location at Scoresby, where they quite a legend in that role. In 1973 COUNCIL | Questions without Notice are developing some unique and he was elected as the member for 16 April 2013 innovative technologies and products. Ivanhoe in the Assembly, and that During that visit I was delighted to is when he really came into his own announce the first round of funding in terms of politics. He became under the technology voucher something of a legend around this Technology program, a commitment to seven place and around Victoria until in separate projects with grants totalling 1982, with the change of government sector: $1.6 million. Some of the technology — and again, I can relate to these companies that will benefit from things — he lost his seat. government partnering in these projects That was a great shock to him and include companies like miniFAB, to many who believed that Bruce initiatives Micronisers Pty Ltd, Universal Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Skeggs would hold Ivanhoe forever. Biosensors and the Melbourne — My question without notice is But, as we know, in politics strange Centre for Nanofabrication, among directed to Mr Rich-Phillips in things can happen from time to time. others. As these projects unfold we his capacity as the Minister for But he came back six years later, that will see projects as diverse as the Technology, and I ask: can the time into this place, the Legislative development of mobile forensic minister inform the house of how the Council, and stayed until 1996. DNA fingerprinting, a project to government is driving the uptake of He expressed his views — how commence pilot-scale manufacturing new technologies across the Victorian of a renewable solvent that does would you describe it? — very economy? forcefully on any subject that he took not use a petrochemical base and Hon. G. K. RICH-PHILLIPS a feeling toward. That is something even the development of a Cloud- (Minister for Technology) — I thank many of us who served with him in enabled livestock weighing program Mr Finn for his question and for this Parliament, although I was in for primary producers to weigh their his interest in Victoria’s vibrant the other place at the time, will very livestock and have that data directly technology sector. Mr Finn’s question fondly remember Bruce doing. He uploaded to their tablet devices or goes to the issue of driving the was a fighter for what he believed to personal computers. uptake of technology in the Victorian be right. He did not back off, and that A broad range of projects is being economy. In 2011 the government is what I particularly liked about him. supported under this program, which launched Victoria’s technology He knew what he believed in, and he really highlights the capability of plan for the future, and it had stood up for it at all times. He was a Victoria’s technology sector. This two key streams. The first was the fervent foe of communism. He led benefits the proponents of these traditional role government plays in an organisation called the Freedom projects in getting their ideas off the supporting investment in technology Coalition, which I attended many ground and to market, and it creates companies and in supporting export meetings of throughout the 1980s. I a great opportunity for Victoria’s development by our technology will carry with me throughout my life technology companies, be they ICT, companies. memories of listening to Bruce hold be they biotech or be they small tech, forth on the importance and joys of The second related to encouraging to use their intellectual property, freedom and liberty. the uptake of technology in the their innovation and their knowhow broader economy by those sectors Bruce’s son Philip gave a fulsome to drive and develop the Victorian and those companies that do not summary of his life at his funeral at St economy. necessarily use technology on a George’s Anglican Church in Ivanhoe broad scale, encouraging them to East a couple of weeks ago. Mr Guy COUNCIL | Adjournment take up the opportunity that Victoria’s was there that day, and it was very technology companies offer to 16 April 2013 much a celebration of Bruce’s life. We improve their products and develop revisited some of the times that we new processes. remembered and some of the times that we did not. A former member of As part of that plan, at the end of last Mental health: the other house, Mr Victor Perton, year I was pleased to launch Victoria’s also gave a eulogy at the funeral. It technology voucher program. This women’s facilities very much relived a time that we is a program that has been designed Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) perhaps might not see again. That in to encourage project proponents to — I wish to raise a matter for the itself is a very sad thing. partner with technology companies, attention of the Minister for Mental be they ICT companies, be they Health, Mary Wooldridge. It very Bruce Skeggs welcomed me very biotech companies, be they nanotech closely follows Mr Ondarchie’s

IN 18 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE comments on the subject of gender- in contact with the organisation and weekend — and see what has been specific mental health services. I am offered assistance. I understand happening in the west over the past asking the minister for support for Alpha Autism made independent few years. They will be staggered. services in the Werribee and Sunshine representations to the commonwealth I have often mentioned Point Cook areas specifically so as to provide government and did not request in this house. When I came into this such services for many women in the further assistance from my chamber not all that long ago — a bit western suburbs of Melbourne. department in that regard. over six years ago — Point Cook was It has to be said that the western I am informed the commonwealth not much more than a few paddocks suburbs have their own particular government has put in place with the odd sheep in them. It is now set of problems. We have a very large transitional arrangements for a thriving metropolis. I was at Point group of residents who come from people currently supported by the Cook just last week — I am sorry, I tell non-English-speaking backgrounds, organisation’s employment service a lie, which does not happen often; it and of course that provides some and that no participants will be was on Monday — announcing a new difficulties in itself. There is no doubt disadvantaged in the process. transport program which will be of that there are many women suffering Alpha Autism provides disability great benefit to elderly and disabled from mental health problems who support services on behalf of my people in Point Cook. come from cultures that perhaps do department across the Melbourne Even though the area has grown like not readily accept such problems, and metropolitan area. Topsy over the last five years or so, they suffer as a result of that. Alpha Autism will continue to it continues to grow. We now have it It also has to be said that in provide valuable support for people linked up with Sanctuary Lakes, and domestic violence situations the role with a disability. we will soon have it linked up with of male partners, or indeed female Wyndham Harbour and Werribee partners, have a great deal to do with South. These areas are growing at some areas of mental health, and COUNCIL an extraordinary rate. On the other this is one of the areas that we could 17 April 2013 side of Werribee we have places like and should be looking at. I know that Tarneit. some community health services The rate at which the growth is have taken up these programs. The Production Of occurring is amazing. It is impossible Sunbury Community Health Centre to keep up with the growth. If a has run a program for many years Documents new edition of Melway were to be that aims to teach men how to break Debate resumed from 20 March; published every month, we might the cycle of domestic violence and motion of Mr BARBER (Northern have some hope of keeping up, but anger and touches on a number of Metropolitan) short of that I will have to learn how issues which may result in mental Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — to use my TomTom, which I have health problems for women. That is It gives me pleasure to rise to speak on at home and will one day figure out something that should be seriously this motion once again because, as I how to use. The east-west link is looked at by the minister and by pointed out to the house the last time an important issue for the western health providers in the western I spoke on this matter, the east-west suburbs. suburbs. link is an issue that goes to the heart Let me say to Mr Barber, to the As I said, we in the west have some of how people in government regard other Greens and to Labor members: specific problems. The minister has the western suburbs of Melbourne. anybody who opposes the east-west shown a great deal of interest in and Over an extended period of time we link slaps everybody in the western is preparing to show a great deal of in the west have been neglected. suburbs in the face. support for health services in the Governments — particularly Labor To be opposed to the east-west link western suburbs. I ask the minister to governments, I hasten to add — is to attack the people of the western look favourably upon requests from have regarded the people of the suburbs. health providers from the west. western suburbs as second-class Mr Barber interjected. citizens. There are many and varied opportunities to spend vast amounts Mr FINN — Mr Barber finds all this COUNCIL | Adjournment (Reply) very amusing. We do not have trams 16 April 2013 of money in government. The Labor Party is particularly good at spending in most parts of the western suburbs, money. It is not particularly good not that Mr Barber would be aware at getting results for that money but of this as he does not get beyond the Alpha Autism: it knows how to spend it; there are tram tracks. As far as the Greens are no two ways about that. But this concerned there is nothing beyond funding project, once completed, would bring the tram tracks because beyond the Raised with the Minister for immediate relief to the people of the tram tracks nobody votes for them, Disability Services and Reform on 19 western suburbs. and you can understand why. If that February 2013 is the way the Greens treat people in As I said the last time I spoke on outer Melbourne, it is little wonder REPLY: this matter, the people of the west I am informed that Alpha Autism that they get precious few votes from are suffering as a result of traffic them. was unsuccessful in their bid to congestion due to the growth in the continue providing commonwealth- western suburbs. For example, the Mr Barber — On a point of order, funded Disability Employment cities of Wyndham and Melton are Acting President, I heard Mr Davis’s Services. The funding decision was the fastest and second fastest growing point of order a few minutes ago made at the commonwealth level and municipalities in Australia. I urge in relation to the narrowness of Ms funding ceased on 1 March 2013. members who have not been out Hartland’s motion. The Victorian Department of that way of late to take a drive — not This motion seeks the tabling of Human Services has recently been during peak hour, certainly, but on a some documents that would better

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 19 inform the house about what the use the east-west link. There are a lot of the house. She might like to tell us. east-west tunnel will or will not do. Mr of people who will continue to be very She might like to tell her constituents Finn has managed to filibuster on this angry if Mr Barber and his friends in Geelong, Ballarat and Colac what for three weeks so that we have waited try to hold this project up. If gaining her position on this matter is. Where even longer to get the same piece the documents of which Mr Barber exactly does the Labor Party stand of information. He should not be speaks today is part of that campaign on this issue? I say to you, Acting allowed to do that indefinitely in this to hold this project up, then I have President, that you do not need place. He should be required to be some very grave concerns indeed. documents to know that this is one relevant to the subject matter — that In concluding my contribution, of the biggest projects upon which is, whether these documents should I would suggest to Mr Barber, and we have ever embarked in Victoria’s or should not be tabled in the house. indeed to the Labor Party — and it is a history — — Mr FINN — On the point of order, pity that Mr Barber is actually leaving Mr Barber interjected. Acting President, my understanding the chamber as I am just about to Mr FINN — Yes, it will be good, I is — as was the case three weeks ago make a very strong suggestion to him am sure. We are talking about billions when we first started debating this — — of dollars being spent on this project. matter — that it is a matter on which Mr Barber — On a point of order, Yet we have a major party, a party there has been a bit of leverage. Acting President, are the toilet habits which claims to be the alternative I think I have stayed within the of members to be brought into debate government of this state, refuse to parameters that were set three weeks in this place? tell us where it stands on the biggest ago when we began debating this The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr project this state has ever had. motion. I was referring to the Greens Ramsay) — Order! I am sorry, but I Ms Tierney — who is usually attitude towards the building of this did not hear the reference. The advice pretty vocal I have to say, when the particular project. I do not see how to me is that the comment made mood takes her — is not saying a that is out of order at all. by Mr Finn was that Mr Barber was word at this point in time. She is not The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr about to leave the chamber. I did not committing herself. She is toeing Ramsay) — Order! I do not uphold the hear any reference to toilet breaks. I the party line beautifully. She is not point of order. am happy to stand corrected, but the saying a word. She is not committing However, I do ask that Mr Finn Clerk has advised me that that is the herself one way or the other. But let address his contribution to the case. me tell Ms Tierney and the members motion at hand. Mr FINN — On the point of order, of the Labor Party that there are Mr FINN — I have no intention Acting President, I have heard a millions of Victorians who want to of continuing for too much longer number of members during this know where the opposition stands. because I believe that this matter, debate, in both this chamber and in There are millions of Victorians who from my point of view anyway, has the other one for that matter, refer to have a very keen interest in this been covered quite comprehensively. members leaving the chamber. I made project and who want to know what But it is important that this house no reference as to why Mr Barber was will happen if Labor is voted into is aware that this matter is of vital leaving the chamber — — government. importance to the western suburbs The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr As I said before, that is a reasonable of Melbourne. As such I will stand up Ramsay) — Order! I do not uphold the question. If we are talking about a and support it. I will support it loudly point of order. multimillion-dollar project which and strongly, and I will oppose those Mr FINN — It should also be is going to transform the face of such as Mr Barber and his Greens pointed out that we are still entirely transportation in Melbourne and friends who wish to oppose it. I do not unsure as to where the Labor Party which will go down in the history know why they want the documents; stands on this. This is something books as something the likes of which I do not know what they are going that not only affects the west of we have never seen before, it is only to do with the documents. It seems Melbourne; it affects the west of reasonable that the Labor Party tell us to me that they want documents on Victoria. There are a good number of where it stands. Would it continue the everything known to man. I do not people in Ballarat and Geelong who project or would it scrap it? Would it particularly care what they do with are very keen to use this link once it flick it? Would it give in to its friends the documents. I just want to see the is completed. I am sure they would from the Greens and scrap the thing project finished. I just want to see like the opposition to tell them what altogether? it built. I just want to see a situation would happen to this project if Labor The Greens are at least consistent where people in the western suburbs was to come into government at the — they want to stop everything. If it is of Melbourne are not stuck in traffic next election. good for society and the community, forever while trying to get to work. I see members opposite furiously the Greens want to stop it. We accept In the course of this debate we trying to ignore me at this point in and know that. But the Labor Party have heard that up to 60 per cent of time. But I think it is only fair, right will not tell us where it stands. From people who are currently stuck on the and reasonable that the people on the my point of view, that is an insult to Tullamarine or West Gate freeways western side of the state know what the people of the west of Melbourne, do not want to go to the city at all; the opposition would do regarding the whom I represent. On the subject of they want to go to the other side of east-west link. We just do not know. the documents that we are discussing Melbourne — — Apparently Labor Party members today, I am sure the Labor Party Mr Barber interjected. supported the east-west link for a would have had similar documents Mr FINN — No, I am not pulling period of time. Then they opposed it. when it was in government. numbers out of the air at all. That was Then they supported it again. Then It would be aware of what this a number that was delivered to this they opposed it. Where they are at the matter involves, and it would be in a house three weeks ago. That means moment, I do not know. position to make a commitment one there are a lot of people who would I see Ms Tierney on the other side way or the other on this matter.

IN 20 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE We have a government in Canberra Tony Abbott, the federal Leader of the the western suburbs, I personally will which we know has contempt for Opposition and the man who has said show him around. the west of Melbourne. We know he will put up $1 billion of taxpayers He will come away as convinced as I that because it shows it every day, money. You have to remember that am that this project is most important not just in terms of this project but we are talking about taxpayers money. for the future of not just the western in so many other situations. How Tony Abbott has said he will put up suburbs and the western part of the much has the Gillard government $1 billion to get this thing under way. state but the whole of Melbourne and promised for this project if it is re- That is $1 billion more than we have the whole of Victoria. elected at the next election? Not a heard about from the Labor Party. As I said before, I very much cent! Not a cracker! That is what it I would like to put on record my look forward to this project getting thinks of the people of the west of appreciation and my gratitude to under way and being part of our life. Melbourne. These are people like the Tony Abbott. I have no doubt he will There was a fair bit of controversy federal Minister for Employment and be a Prime Minister who will fight about CityLink, but now we could Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten, the for everybody. He will govern for not imagine what life would be like federal Minister for Immigration and everybody in Australia. He has already without it, although we got a taste Citizenship, Brendan O’Connor, and started to show that. He has already of that one day last year when it was of course Prime Minister Julia Gillard, started to show that he will represent blocked and havoc ensued from one who are alleged to represent the west the people in the western suburbs of end of Melbourne to the other. I have of Melbourne. Despite the fact that Melbourne in a way that the Labor no doubt that once the east-west link they have had their names on ballot Party never has. He will not neglect is constructed and completed it will papers for a number of years, and I the west, he will not take the west for be one of the greatest things that has have seen the odd how-to-vote card granted and he will not use and abuse ever happened to this wonderful city with their photo on it, I have not seen the west. Instead he will provide for we live in. any evidence that they have gone in to the people of the western suburbs of bat for the best interests of the west. Melbourne in a way that Labor never They are certainly not doing it on has. COUNCIL | Statements on Reports 17 April 2013 this occasion. They are not going in That is something I am very grateful to bat for the west of Melbourne, they for and something I am very much are not going in to bat for Ballarat and looking forward to. I look forward to they are certainly not going in to bat 15 September, when we can actually Municipal for Geelong. get on with the job, get this country This is an issue that goes right down moving again and get this project, the Association of the south-western corridor of Victoria east-west link, up and running. That — and for that matter probably will be a great day for hundreds of Victoria: Report north-west too. It is shameful that, thousands of my constituents in the firstly, we have a situation where at a west, as indeed it will be for those in 2011-12 state level the Labor Party will not tell Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and right Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) us what it would do if it ever came to through that western half of the state. — In rising to speak today on the government. God help us! Secondly, I will now conclude my comments. Municipal Association of Victoria we have a federal government which I had not intended to speak quite this annual report 2011-12, it occurs to is snubbing its nose at millions of long, but it is a very important matter. me that the role of the Municipal Victorians. This is not the first time I hope I have managed in some small Association of Victoria has expanded it has done so, but on this occasion I way — — quite significantly over the years. I find that absolutely intolerable. Mr Leane — No, you haven’t. recall the days when local council was referred to in terms of roads, rubbish It is not as if members opposite do Mr FINN — Mr Leane tells me and rates, but these days we see not know what is going on. They have that I have not been up to effectively local councils involved in economic the documents, and they have seen conveying the importance of this development, community harmony the documents we are talking about project to the people of the western — whatever that might be — and here today. suburbs. I invite Mr Leane to come environmental works. In terms of the They know what this involves, with me. environmental work that a number so they have no excuse for hiding Mr Leane interjected. behind a tree, as they appear to be of councils do, and a lot of them do doing at the moment. That is deeply Mr FINN — No, I invite Mr Leane to some great work, unfortunately a regrettable and shows a deep flaw in come with me out to the west. I do not significant number of them have the Labor Party in Victoria. It shows know how long it is since he has been fallen for the great green con. that it does not have the capacity to to the western suburbs. That is a tragedy because the make a firm decision and to show Mr Leane — Have a stubby with me. money is going to fight something the sort of leadership that Premier Mr FINN — I will have a stubby with that does not actually exist, namely, Denis Napthine is producing now him; I will have two. If he would like global warming, instead of going into for Victoria. As such, in my view, this to join me in the western suburbs, I providing a proper environment for disqualifies the members opposite will show him new estate after new the ratepayers of those municipalities. from government. Until such time estate absolutely chock-a-block Of course there has been an as they can stand up in this house or full of families who want to use the expanded role in planning for local elsewhere and tell us exactly what east-west link — the one the Labor councils despite the efforts of the they think, they should be disqualified Party is denying us, the one it will previous government which tried from ever holding office in this state. not say whether it will build and the desperately hard to squeeze councils It is important to put on record the one the Liberal-Nationals Napthine out of planning altogether. It occurs to gratitude felt by many people whom I government is committed to building. me that some councils might need to represent in the west of Melbourne to If Mr Leane would like to come out to go back to basics; perhaps they have

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 21 gone a little bit too far beyond the a thing? How deeply does the Labor did that. We are all the better for her reach of where councils should be. Party hold the people of the west in having been among us. May God bless When I see councils debating motions contempt when it would consider and keep her. on foreign affairs and condemning putting somebody like Natalie The PRESIDENT — Order! foreign governments and all that sort Suleyman in this house to represent I remind members that there is of nonsense, I do not think that serves the people she used to rub under her a condolence book for Margaret the ratepayers as well as perhaps feet as dirt? Thatcher in the library for those councils did when they were talking This is quite a good report, and I who wish to avail themselves of the about roads, rubbish and rates as they commend it to the house. opportunity to sign it. used to. Libraries have been an important COUNCIL | Members Statements COUNCIL | Second Reading part of local government for some 18 April 2013 years, and it is worth pointing out 18 April 2013 that this government, the Liberal- Nationals government, upped the ante by $3 million in the last budget. Baroness Planning And There is a library being built in Sunshine, just at the back of my Thatcher electorate office, and I anticipate I Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Environment will be attending the opening of that — I rise to express my deep sorrow in the not-too-distant future, just as I at the passing of one of the truly Amendment attended the announcement of that great leaders of the past century. by the Minister for Local Government, Margaret Thatcher became Prime (Growth Areas Jeanette Powell. That would have Minister of Great Britain when it been just last year, so they have really was not all that great at all. In fact Authority And got a wriggle on. Britain was in a bad way. Years of You would have to say that rampant militant unionism had Miscellaneous) Brimbank has come a fairly long way knocked the UK to the canvas, and it seemed there was no getting up. Bill 2013 in a relatively short period of time Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) because — — Mrs Thatcher, as she then was, knew differently. Here was someone with — It gives me a great deal of pleasure Hon. D. M. Davis — And I think to support the Planning and Natalie Suleyman is coming here. a vision of where she wanted her country to be. She set about instilling Environment Amendment (Growth Mr FINN — I might get to that, Mr her values of hard work and reward Areas Authority and Miscellaneous) Davis, because I am sure the house for effort and transformed Britain Bill 2013, and in doing so I commend would recall that Brimbank was giving from an economic basket case into a the Minister for Planning who, in my local government a very bad name. thriving modern economy. She was experience going back some 21 years There was corruption, there were also determined to support freedom in this place, is the most outstanding shenanigans, there was shysterism wherever she could and, along with planning minister we have had. and all manner of things going on at President Ronald Reagan and Pope Mrs Peulich interjected. that council that led the government John Paul II, she helped create the Mr FINN — Outstanding indeed. of the day to sack that council and environment in which the Iron As Mrs Peulich says, we covered that appoint administrators. I am pleased Curtain would crumble and millions yesterday. There was a long list, and to say that the most recent group of would know liberty for the first time. each one of those synonyms could administrators that have taken over in She was a strong leader who served be equally applied to Minister Guy, Brimbank are doing an exceptionally her nation and the world in the way because he has shown a vision and good job. Certainly we do not see the leaders should. an ability to get on with things that we sort of carry-on we had associated Just as Baroness Thatcher showed have not seen in this state for a very with the Brimbank City Council over a long time. long time. We do not see party politics us the heights of human achievement, Coming to the role as he did after being put ahead of the people. the rabble that has celebrated her death in Britain and elsewhere, four years of Justin Madden, now It is of great concern to me that including Australia, has displayed the member for Essendon in the those days, which may be behind us, the depths to which humanity can Assembly, the local government might come back. It concerns me even sink. Short of the nutbags at the sector in particular and the more when I hear that, despite all Westboro Baptist Church, I have development sector cannot believe the contempt that was shown to the never before seen anything like what their good fortune that we have people of Brimbank by that council, we have witnessed from the extreme somebody who wants to get on with the then mayor of the Brimbank left over the past week or so. For the the job. This bill will assist that task council, Cr Natalie Suleyman, is being political left hatred is oxygen. Without enormously. I warmly congratulate touted as a potential member of this something or someone to hate, there the minister on bringing this house. Can one believe that the Labor is no reason for its existence. To the legislation before the house. Party would nominate somebody rent-a-crowd boofheads protesting I will speak very briefly on this bill like Natalie Suleyman, who held the against a frail elderly lady who has and in particular raise a matter that I people of Brimbank in such contempt left us, I can only suggest they take a have raised in this house before, but and treated them so badly, to be a lesson from Margaret Thatcher’s book. I think it is important enough to raise member of this house and represent It just might not be too late for those again — that is, what happened in those same people? pathetic creatures to in some way Point Cook during its development How rotten is the Labor Party that it make this world a better place. phase under Justin Madden, which would even contemplate doing such Margaret Hilda Thatcher certainly was very little in terms of planning.

IN 22 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE There was a situation where the then Mr Ramsay interjected. important way of strengthening our Labor government was very happy to Mr FINN — We can never be sure, research and aligning clinical and take the land tax and stamp duty from can we, Mr Ramsay? research activities. Our hospitals, new owners but was not prepared Mr Koch interjected. our medical research institutes and to put the money back into Point our universities come together in Cook to provide the roads, transport Mr FINN — But we can hope and academic health science centres and other infrastructure necessary pray, Mr Koch. I commend the bill focused on better outcomes and for modern living. If we ever needed to the house, and I commend the better clinical results. This enables to categorise how not to develop a minister for the job that he is doing larger scale clinical trials to be suburb, Point Cook would be it. and for bringing this legislation to the run and a larger population pool house, and I trust — — Again I commend Minister Guy on which is able to be drawn from to the effort, time and work that he has Mrs Peulich — He is outstanding. conduct those clinical trials. It brings put in to rectifying that situation. I Mr FINN — He is. He is doing the strengths, the skills and the was down in Point Cook on Monday a brilliant job as minister. As Mrs backgrounds that are required to run announcing a new transport initiative Peulich says, he is doing a first-class first-rate research in our state. Victoria in cooperation with the local and extraordinary job as planning has a unique place in the national council and with state government minister. I hope members opposite research effort, and I know in this involvement. People were saying that will join me in congratulating the chamber there is strong bipartisan they have noticed very much how minister on the magnificent job he is support for that effort. the state government has taken a real doing. I trust that this bill will have a Prior to the last election I was proud interest in what is happening in Point safe and speedy passage. to announce at Alfred Health that the Cook since the change of government. then opposition, if elected, would That is in no small way due to what COUNCIL | Questions without Notice commit to establishing academic Minister Guy has done. I would hate 7 May 2013 health science centres. I had strong to think that we would ever have a support in that process from the situation in the foreseeable future Bio21 Institute, key individuals like when Labor would be returned to the Professor David Penington and government benches and we would Health sciences: others. again have a minister like Justin I was proud to make that Madden, who was incompetent and academic announcement in the lead-up to the indeed would be incompetent again. election and to see, post the election, He would not have a clue about what research centres the work that a number of these he should and should not do. He does Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) centres have done to organise their not have a vision or a bone in his body — My question without notice is academic health science centres. I which would tell him what he should directed to the Minister for Health, was also pleased to put in place two or should not do. and I ask: can the minister inform grants: $850 000 for the Melbourne We in the west have felt that very the house about the establishment of Academic Health Science Research strongly. academic health science centres in Centre for clinical and translational Victoria? Anybody who travels to Point Cook research fellowships and $850 000 and tries to get out of Point Cook will Hon. D. M. DAVIS (Minister for for the Monash Partners Academic now find themselves waiting a very Health) — I thank the member for Health Science Centre clinical long time. For example, as they travel his question. I can indicate to the research fellowships. There are also down Point Cook Road they will find house that the government is proud small coordination grants of $150 000 a situation where a suburb has been to have been closely involved in the for each to ensure that significant built with a road from it which goes establishment of two academic health steps are taken as we go forward. through a shopping centre to get science research centres in Victoria. I know the McKeon review onto the freeway — you go over the It is important to recognise that recognised the significance of freeway and then through a shopping these are modelled on the approach academic health science centres at centre to get onto the freeway. It is adopted in a number of jurisdictions a national level, and I look forward just absolutely insane. Any reasonable overseas. The two academic health to commonwealth government planning body would tell you that that science centres which we announced partnership in this process. I have is not the way to go and not the way last week included the Monash brought to the attention of both the to do things, but that is what Labor Partners Academic Health Science chamber and the community the did. I am delighted to say that it will Centre and the Melbourne Academic concerns we have with reductions not be happening again whilst this Health Research Centre. in funding and the funding flows to government is in a position to oversee The Monash partners included medical research institutes — — the planning of new suburbs. I Monash University, Alfred Health, Mr Lenders — On a point of order, certainly look forward to the planning Baker IDI, Monash Health, Cabrini President, which goes to the rule of of Finn-land, the new suburb down Health, the Burnet Institute, Epworth anticipation, notice of motion 448 near Werribee, that will be providing HealthCare and Prince Henry’s on the notice paper in Mr Davis’s — for the people of Point Cook as Institute. The Melbourne Academic name and notice of motion 534, well — a new road onto the freeway at Health Research Centre included the also in Mr Davis’s name, both refer Sneydes Road. I believe that is going University of Melbourne, St Vincent’s to cuts of federal funding and how to be of major benefit to the people of Hospital, Melbourne Health, Florey they affect Victorian programs. I put Werribee and surrounds. Neuroscience Institutes, Mercy to you that given they are listed on I support this bill, I hope the Labor Health, the Murdoch Children’s the government business program Party supports this bill, and I hope the Research Institute and others. for today, Mr Davis is breaching the Greens support this bill — I assume This approach of having academic rule of anticipation and should be sat they are supporting this bill. health science centres is a very down.

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 23 Hon. D. M. DAVIS — On the point COUNCIL do not want people living in the city, of order, President, they refer to 8 May 2013 we can only draw conclusions not different cuts. There is one lot of totally unrelated to their views on a federal cuts, and I am about to talk number of other issues that they do about a different set of federal cuts not want people living anywhere at and to make the point that the precise Melbourne all. arrangements the federal government That is the bottom line when it has put in place for medical research Planning comes to the Greens: they regard institutes will not assist in the project people as a nuisance and as a danger we have embarked upon with Scheme: to the environment. academic health science centres. That is their basic problem and They are a different set of cuts we are Amendment that is where they are coming from. referring to. (Relating to C194, the Australia 108 project, the tallest building in That is where this motion comes from The PRESIDENT — Order! the southern hemisphere located at today. It is not the first time we have The standing order to which Mr Southbank) seen a motion of this nature, and it Lenders refers is 12.19, ‘Anticipating is not the first time we have heard a Mr BARBER (Northern discussion’, and that standing order contribution of this nature come from Metropolitan) — I move: reads: the Labor Party either. Mr Tee has That amendment C194 to the A member may not anticipate raised similar matters over a period Melbourne planning scheme be of time. I heard Mr Tee’s contribution the discussion of a subject listed revoked. on the notice paper and expected in this debate today. I cannot say to be debated on the same or Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) that I entirely understood what he next sitting day. In determining — I always take a great deal of interest said, but I heard it, and it was clearly whether a discussion is out of order in matters of mysticism, and there antidevelopment. He made the point the President should not prevent are some of the great mysteries of on a number of occasions that any incidental reference to a subject. life that we, as individuals and as a decision supportive of development Most of Mr Davis’s answer and society, can take into account. Some had to be opposed. Is this the new response to this question has not of the great questions we need to policy of the Labor Party? Have Labor been totally directed at the federal address include the meaning of life. Is members completely lost their senses cuts. Whilst there are notices of this all there is? That is a question we and merged with the Greens into that motion on the notice paper, Mr often hear. Is there a God is another mystic world I spoke of earlier? Davis’s subject matter in his response one that has been considered and As Mr Barber said by way of an has not substantially gone to that talked about through the ages. Surely interjection earlier, the Greens would issue. when taking all these matters into have us all living in humpies by the It would be my view, given my consideration one of the greatest banks of the Barcoo River or any understanding of the order of issues not just of our time but of any similar river. Mr Barber would have us proceedings today, that neither of time must be: what the hell is going living like that. As we know, he would those notices of motion referred to by on with the Greens? What is wrong have us all riding bikes, would ban Mr Lenders will be the subject of any with these people? It is something cars and does not want the tunnel. debate this day, and as tomorrow is about which I have to say, ‘I don’t understand’. We do not know whether the Labor opposition business I would form the Party wants the east-west link either, view that they are not to be debated I have been looking at the Greens but listening to the debate today it tomorrow either, so in the context of for quite some time now. I have seems that both Labor and the Greens the standing order I cannot accept the seen the Greens go through their have taken on the policy of total, point of order on this occasion. embryonic stage and infancy. Up they complete and absolute opposition to Hon. D. M. DAVIS — I know the went, and they have decided election any development at all. That clearly opposition is very tetchy about the after election. Now they have reached is not only a threat to the future of situation with federal cuts. I know that their peak and are on their way out, our city and our state, but it is also a its support for federal cuts has not sat and we have seen that election after clear and present threat to the jobs of well with the Victorian community. I election. thousands of Victorians, particularly know that at every turn it will seek to It never ceases to amaze me why the those in the construction industry. justify what is unjustifiable — that is, Greens would want to put up motions One would think that particularly its support for federal cuts that have like this, because its members keep members of the Labor Party would caused a series of significant impacts. telling us they do not want people have some concern for the welfare But I would have thought that on the living in the suburbs. For years we of employees in the construction matter of academic health science have heard from the Greens that they industry, because a good deal of research centres there would have do not want the suburban sprawl. the support and a good deal of the been bipartisan support — indeed They want to keep the green wedge. money that the ALP brings in to tripartisan support — across the They want people to live in smaller fight its campaigns come from the chamber, and I would have thought homes and largely keep out of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and that the support would have been suburbs. They do not like people Energy Union, and it is those very jobs very strong indeed. living in the country because that that we are talking about today. These might upset the trees — and the last are the very jobs that would come as thing we want to do is upset the trees. a result of Australia 108, a building Now they tell us here today they do that would in its own way make a not want people living in the city substantial contribution to the funds either. If they do not want people that the ALP will use to fight the next living in the suburbs, they do not want election. people living in the country and they

IN 24 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE Again, it mystifies me that the available to all parties. But that is another thing altogether, Labor Party would be against the Mr FINN — On the point of order, and I will move on. development, as outlined by Mr Tee Deputy President, certainly if I We heard Mr Tee talk about his in the house today. I may be a little had been quoting from that letter I desire to work with councils on these tired today — I think we are all a little would be very happy to do that. My sorts of developments. I laughed bit tired today — but it goes beyond understanding is that the letter exists; myself stupid. My memory might the realm of reason to try to match I am surprised that Mr Tee has not not be as good as it was 20 or 30 up the arguments of Labor via Mr Tee seen it. years ago, but it is not completely and the arguments of the Greens via The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! shot. I remember the last planning Mr Barber with any logic or common That is sufficient on the point of order. minister of this state, who tried to sense at all. We have heard from Mr There is no capacity for the Chair to ride roughshod over every council in Barber and particularly from Mr require a member to table or make a Victoria. He tried to take the ability Tee that this development would document available. It is a matter for to have any planning powers at all be some sort of threat to the Shrine the member using such a document from every council in Victoria. It is of Remembrance. That of course to determine whether or not they are drawing a long bow, to say the least, is a nonsense. The shrine board of prepared to do that. I cannot uphold for members of the Labor Party, trustees — — Mr Tee’s point of order, given that Mr particularly a man who thinks he Mr Barber — I did not say that. Finn has indicated he does not wish could be the Minister for Planning in Mr FINN — Mr Barber says he to do so. Victoria, to get up here in this house did not say that. He is more worried Mr FINN — Getting back to Ms today and talk about their desire to about some parrot or something, Pulford’s point, it is interesting that protect the rights of councils. no doubt. Mr Tee certainly made it Ms Pulford enters this debate in the I remember not all that long ago clear that he was concerned about way that she has, as out of order as when the then Minister for Planning, the effect Australia 108 would have that may be. It is interesting that she Mr Madden, now the member for on the shrine. If that were the case, I has entered the debate in this way, Essendon in the Assembly, would would share that concern because the because as we know the Victorian have turned Mount Alexander Road shrine is something that we should Labor Party at the moment is split in Essendon into a concrete canyon. all regard with a great deal of respect, between the extreme left, as led by Wherever there was a tram track you as it represents something that we all the current Leader of the Opposition, would have had concrete canyons should hold very dear. Daniel Andrews, and the not-so- — great mountains of buildings on Mr Barber — That’s why I consulted extreme left, led by the heir apparent, either side. The Moonee Valley City the trustees. Mr Pakula. I would not go as far as Council was against that then, and Mr FINN — I do not know what suggesting that Ms Pulford — — I emphasise that that was a Labor Mr Barber is saying there, but the The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! council at the time. Wherever those shrine board of trustees has made it Earlier in his contribution Mr Finn councils were expressing a view, the very clear that it does not oppose this referred to the fact that he has spent minister just did not want to know. development at all, and it put that in many years in this place listening to If Labor Party members are now writing. I would not be too concerned. the Greens and observing them. I taking into consideration the views I do not know what the trustees said have spent many years in this place of councils, I commend them. I to Mr Barber, but they have put it in listening to and observing Mr Finn, congratulate them because that is writing that they are not opposed to and what I can say is that he has a a giant step in the right direction this development. It offers no threat. tendency in debates to move from the for them and certainly a total and Australia 108 offers no threat to the matter before the Chair. I think he has complete about-face on what they did shrine. Let us face facts; we have enough experience to cleverly bring and what they attempted to do the last to face facts here. The arguments his points back to the matter before time they were in government. about the shrine are secondary in the Chair, but at this stage he is failing I am very excited about the consideration of the general view of to do so. development the Minister for the Labor Party and the Greens that I ask him to address the matter Planning, Mr Guy, has approved. development is bad, growth is bad, before the Chair, which is a specific Australia 108 is going to be a major business is bad. That is what they are motion about a particular planning asset to Melbourne and to Victoria, on about. That is what we expect from matter. and I sincerely hope it will not be the extreme left, and that is what we Mr FINN — I hear what you say, the last development of its type in have got here today. I think that in Deputy President, and I certainly Melbourne. You just have to go back itself is very sad. hope you hear what I say as well. I just 20 years to see that Melbourne was a Ms Pulford — This from a member made that reference because there dead city on the weekends and after of the snooziest government in may be a little bit more than meets hours. Victorian history! the eye when it comes to the views Mr Koch — A ghost town. Mr FINN — Ms Pulford might get of the Labor Party on this matter, Mr FINN — It was a ghost town, very excited and passionate about particularly as Ms Pakula — there Mr Koch. There was nobody here. these matters because she might was a Freudian slip! — particularly as Nobody lived here. Over the last not be as left wing as some of her Ms Pulford entered the debate in the 20 years things changed, and that comrades. manner in which she did. was started by former Minister for Mr Tee — On a point of order, Mrs Peulich — Being in the Pakula Planning Robert Maclellan, who took Deputy President, Mr Finn has stable. the view that Melbourne was a living, referred to the views of the shrine Mr FINN — As Mrs Peulich says, Ms vibrant city that should be occupied board of trustees by reference to a Pulford is supporting one particular by actual human beings after hours. letter. I would ask that, as a courtesy candidate, and it might not be the He did that, and I am delighted to see to the house, he make that letter same candidate Mr Tee is supporting. that Mr Guy as the planning minister

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 25 now is continuing in that regard. absolutely on the money, as he so The matter I raise with the minister I have no doubt that in the years often is. He says, ‘It’s a giant leap of is one that was raised with me some and decades to come people will look faith’, and one I perhaps would not time ago by the mayor of the City of back and see Mr Guy as a visionary, be prepared to make. However, Mr Maribyrnong, Cr Catherine Cumming. and they will give him the due Pakula, who is now the member for I have known Cr Cumming for some credit that is his for continuing our Lyndhurst in the Assembly, may be years. magnificent city as a living, breathing, prepared to do that. She is a dedicated servant of the vibrant city. That is an issue that is To get back to what I was saying people of Maribyrnong and she foremost in the minds of a good many before, I commend the Minister for has been fighting for some years people in the city. Planning, Mr Guy, on his vision. I against a party machine which has I do not know who Mr Barber commend him on the systematic put itself ahead of the people of that talks to; I have a fair idea, but I do and planned way he is going about municipality. She now finds herself not completely know. However, the developing parts of Melbourne that mayor and she is putting in place a people I speak to do not have any need these sorts of developments. number of programs and making a problem with these sorts of towers. We see him out in East Werribee at number of attempts to bring about They have no problem with these sorts the moment. Parts of that area have change in a way that will greatly of developments; in fact they regard been referred to by some as Finnland, benefit the people of Maribyrnong them as being very good. As I say, they which I do not think is a bad name. and the suburbs within the city of create jobs. They bring investment. We are seeing development right Maribyrnong. We are talking about a $600 million around the metropolitan area. We are In particular, Cr Cumming raised investment in the Victorian economy seeing it in many country areas, and with me her desire to change the and 300 jobs in the construction and we are very fortunate as a government image and the feel of the suburb of hospitality industries. You cannot and as a state to have somebody Braybrook. As I am sure the minister buy investment like that. If we had a like Matthew Guy in the planning is aware, Braybrook is an area that city nobody wanted to invest in, then portfolio overseeing the sorts of has suffered from a great deal of we would have a problem, but here developments and growth that are neglect for a long time. It is a very we have people who want to invest happening right across the board. For disadvantaged area and has suffered in Victoria, who want to invest in that I am very grateful, and I am very over a long time. Cr Cumming is very Melbourne, who want to create jobs proud to be part of a government that keen to turn that around and to do so and who want to create wealth. has him as minister in that portfolio. as quickly as possible. She is of the That might be another problem for Clearly I will not be supporting this view that the minister, given his strong Mr Barber, because the Greens have motion today. Undoubtedly there will activity in Melbourne’s west since a real problem with wealth. They do be more as Victoria continues to grow. becoming the Minister for Planning, not like wealth. ‘Profit’ is a dirty word As Victoria continues to improve would be the appropriate minister to to them. I suppose it comes from we will see Labor and the Greens speak to about changing the scope, their base, which is largely the hippie joining together in an attempt to stop feel and texture of the suburb of crowd, most of whom have never that growth — in an attempt to stop Braybrook. had a job in their lives. I suppose that Victoria becoming a better place. That I ask the minister to give Cr flows through. is one of the reasons they are going to Cumming and the Maribyrnong City Mrs Kronberg — Do they ever be on that side of the house for a very Council a positive response to their polish their shoes? long time to come. request for a meeting with him to Mr FINN — I do not know whether discuss these very important matters, they polish their shoes, but I can only COUNCIL | Adjournment including the future of Braybrook and point the finger on that score, Mrs 8 May 2013 the people of that suburb. Kronberg. It comes back to the fact RESPONSE: that the Greens and the left of the Hon. M. J. GUY (Minister for Labor Party, as epitomised by the Planning) — Mr Finn raised a matter outgoing Leader of the Opposition, Planning: City of with me around meeting the mayor of Mr Andrews, the member for Maribyrnong Maribyrnong. It is good to see Mr Finn Mulgrave in the Assembly — — Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) again standing up for the western Mr Leane interjected. — I wish to raise a matter for the suburbs in this chamber; he does this Mr FINN — Mr Leane is very touchy attention of the Minister for Planning, every week. I am more than happy on this subject. I am surprised. Mr Guy. It is wonderful to see him in to meet the mayor with Mr Finn to discuss those issues. I think it is a very Ms Pulford has gone quiet all of the chamber this afternoon. I wish to preface my comments and request good idea, and no doubt we will do a sudden. Mr Leane is in furious that in time. defence of the outgoing Leader of the by thanking the minister for the time Labor Party, Mr Andrews, and the and effort he has been putting into the smile on Ms Pulford’s face says it all, western suburbs since he took over COUNCIL | Members Statements because she knows that her man is his portfolio. I can assure him that I 9 May 2013 the one who is going to have the job certainly appreciate that effort and very soon, and she will probably be the people of the western suburbs leapfrogging that bench. It may well appreciate that effort. We are not be the case that she will be taking Mr used to having ministers who actually Autism: western Tee’s spot. Ms Pulford may well be the care about the west of Melbourne. shadow Minister for Planning in — — It is wonderful that we now have a suburbs school Minister for Planning who actually Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Mr Ramsay — It’s a giant leap of — It has long been accepted that a faith. does care, and I thank him most sincerely for that. proper education is a basic right of all Mr FINN — Mr Ramsay is Australians. Tragically one group of

IN 26 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE Australians has long been denied that overwhelming majority of those in the electorate, who I believe are unfairly right. Gross discrimination against gambling industry in this state — and maligned far, far too often. this group purely on the basis of their I think this country — are doing a fine I remember when poker machines residential address is a matter of job. The industry is contributing to were introduced to this state. We were shame for governments of this state the economy, employment and the told that civilisation as we knew it that have gone before. The fact that legitimate pastime or leisure time of was about to end. That clearly has not this group of Australians is comprised a good many Australians. We have happened. We have to remember who of children with autism is an outrage. to admit that undoubtedly there will introduced poker machines into this That discrimination, I am delighted to always be a small group of people who state. It was, of course, Joan Kirner as say, is coming to an end. have problems with gambling. That Premier and, as I recall, Steve Crabb. This week the Minister for is something that we most certainly Mrs Coote interjected. Education, Martin Dixon, visited have to deal with, and I think we have gone a long way in doing so. Mr FINN — Remember the Laverton to announce that decades Crabbaret? It was the original Tabaret of shame are over. The Napthine I have to comment on Ms Hartland’s down in Collins Street, but most government is providing funding statements on this matter. I do not people called it the Crabbaret, after for a P-12 autism-specific school for believe that problem gambling is a Steve Crabb, who was the gaming Melbourne’s west. No more will these blue-collar disease. I do not believe minister, I think, in the Kirner children and their families suffer as a that blue-collar gambling is almost government. result of Labor neglect. Having a child entirely contained in the northern with autism, or indeed any disability and western suburbs of Melbourne. I He introduced poker machines for that matter, is not easy. believe that it is highly insulting to the at that particular venue. They were obviously a raging success, because The announcement this week will people of my electorate of Western Metropolitan Region for someone to very shortly thereafter everybody go a long way toward helping those wanted them, and unfortunately families affected. It is a great relief get up in this house — or anywhere, for that matter — and say that the everybody got them. I think the to so many in the west that their biggest mistake that was made by Joan children will at long last be able to people of the west cannot control themselves when they get near a Kirner as Premier — and God knows, get an education. No more will they she made a lot of mistakes — was to be subjected to some wild social poker machine. I do not believe that; in fact, I know that to be wrong. I allow poker machines to be placed experiment led by people who do not in hotels because that, of course, seem to have much interest in what is know a good many people who play the pokies. allowed saturation of the machines best for children. in the community and allowed for no I express my personal thanks to In fact in years gone by I had quite constraints to be placed on people Minister Dixon and perhaps even a bit of enthusiasm for the caper of who might have a problem. Basically, more so to his chief of staff, Darren playing the pokies myself. as a result of what Joan Kirner did as Brown, who has done a marvellous I have to say that in recent years Premier, we had poker machines on job. This is a great win for the west, that has faded a bit, as I have become almost every corner, and those who and a great win for children with quite bored with them. There are still did have a problem really had a lot autism in the western suburbs of a number of people who on a Friday of difficulty getting away from them. Melbourne. or Saturday night like to go wherever There was no way to escape them, it may be and have a flutter. Whether because they were everywhere. COUNCIL | Second Reading it be $5, $10, $50 or whatever it might If poker machines had been 9 May 2013 be, they set their limit and they go in confined to community-based clubs, there. If they can win a few dollars, first of all, there would have been they are happy; if they lose it, they far greater control over who was accept that that is the way it goes. It using them. Clearly the number of Gambling does not present a problem for them machines would have been in a more or their families. In fact there is no organised and confined space, and Regulation problem involved. These people are not on every corner. good, hardworking, honest taxpayers Amendment Bill of this state and should not be As I say, that was a major mistake condemned by anybody or have any in this whole gambling and gaming black mark cast against their names industry. I really wish that Joan Kirner 2013 had not done that. Members might Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) because they enjoy a flutter. recall — — — It gives me a great deal of pleasure Those who say that problem to rise to my feet this afternoon to gambling is a symptom of the working Mr Tee interjected. support the Gambling Regulation classes — if they want to use that Mr FINN — Mr Tee might recall Amendment Bill 2013. Right at the term; it is not a term that I use, but if that back in the early 1990s, Joan very beginning of my contribution, they want to use that term, I suppose Kirner was Premier. She oversaw the I have to say that I believe that over they will — should very much think bankruptcy of Victoria. If she had probably the past two decades there again. I think that anybody is capable been a director of a private company, has been a lot of nonsense spoken of being hooked on these machines. she probably would have been thrown about gambling. Far too many have Place of residence is not a criterion. into jail for what she did to Victoria. been too free and easy in using those Anybody with a predilection to Mrs Coote — But she got the poison in the gambling industry as whipping being caught in the problem gambling chalice because of Cain! boys. Too many have attacked area can be caught; it has nothing to Mr FINN — She did get the poison the gambling industry in order to do with a person’s residential address chalice, to a degree. promote themselves and the issues in or where they come from. I just ask A lot of people say, Mrs Coote, that which they are particularly interested. people to take that into consideration, Joan Kirner had to wear it because of That is wrong because the in defence of the people in my what John Cain did, but they seem

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 27 to forget that for almost the entire benefits Victorian taxpayers would I think that is something we have to term of the Cain government Joan have reaped if the Labor Party in give the venue operators credit for. Kirner was sitting beside him. Was government had not made a complete Mrs Coote spoke about Crown she so absent-minded that she did not botch of this process. Casino. As I understand it, that is the actually notice what was happening There is one thing we have to learn, no. 1 tourist attraction in Victoria. around her at the cabinet table? You and that is that it does not matter It brings in many millions of dollars have to wonder about that. which component of the economy it from interstate and overseas and Mrs Coote — What was that is — it can even be poker machines creates jobs for many thousands of Treasurer’s name? Tony Sheehan. — the Labor Party cannot be trusted people. We should take these things Mr FINN — We could talk about with money. Labor has no idea. It into consideration when discussing Tony Sheehan, we could talk about proves it time and again. It proved these matters. It is not all about Rob Jolly and we could talk about it in Victoria during the Cain and problem gambling; it is not all about snappy Tom Roper. Kirner governments and the Bracks the bad side, the downside of gaming. Mrs Coote — The Guilty Party! and Brumby governments, and it is Perhaps I am speaking here as certainly proving it at the moment somebody with a fair bit of Irish blood Mr FINN — We could talk about during the last remaining months the Guilty Party, and we could talk coursing through their veins, but of the Gillard and Swan regime in gambling is not a bad thing. It can about snappy Tom Roper. I well Canberra. That is something that I remember Jeff Kennett, the then in fact contribute significantly to the think Australians have to take a lesson welfare of the state, and I certainly opposition leader, who of course later from, that Victorians have to take a became Premier, saying that when believe it does. I support this bill, and lesson from. We seem to have this I wish it a speedy passage. he heard that Tom Roper had been cycle whereby the Labor Party gets made Treasurer he had to look at in, makes a complete, unmitigated the calendar, because he thought it disaster of the state or the country COUNCIL | Adjournment (Reply) was 1 April. He could not believe his that it is administering — — 28 May 2013 luck. That is to a degree, only a small degree, beside the point. Mr Ramsay interjected. The then Premier, Joan Kirner, Mr FINN — Indeed, as Mr Ramsay in a lot of ways you would have to says, anything it touches. Planning: coastal say is in a parallel universe with the Then it is thrown out, the current Prime Minister, because the conservatives come in, we fix it up management — we are always called upon to fix it Raised with the Minister for founders of Emily’s List are not good Planning on 23 October 2012 with money. Joan Kirner was an up and we dutifully do that — then economic basket case, or she created people forget and they put Labor REPLY: an economic basket case, and Julia back in again, and sure enough Labor Last year I announced changes to Gillard has done exactly the same stuffs it up again. That is the Labor the State Planning Policy Framework thing federally. That is an interesting way. Labor cannot do much right, but of all Victorian planning schemes to thing. They might have been 20-odd it certainly knows how to stuff it up. provide further clarity in addressing years apart but history has a tendency Whatever it may be, Labor knows how possible sea level rise and inundation to repeat itself, and it is most certainly to stuff it up. It has done that again risk in the planning system while repeating itself in Canberra and and again with this gaming situation further work in priority locations is around Australia just at the moment. as well. In the last couple of minutes undertaken by councils and DSE over that I have I want to make some the next four-five years. The changes I reiterate that I regret very much included: that Joan Kirner was so strapped comments about — — for cash that she whacked these Mr Tee — The bill? • revising the State Planning machines into hotels around the state Mr FINN — I have been speaking Policy Framework to recognise and allowed carte blanche gambling about the bill, Mr Tee. You were a bit incremental change and increase for those who might have difficulties late. You were probably out having a floor levels by an additional 0.2 controlling themselves. I think it was cup of tea with a few comrades, no metres over current one-in-100- very sad. It was a tragedy. doubt fixing up a preselection or two year flood levels for new urban infill development; Labor introduced these poker somewhere. It is good to see that you machines, and you would think have come into the chamber to hear • maintaining the existing long term they would have had some idea of my contribution; I appreciate your commitment to plan for not less their value. You would think they support. than 0.8 metre possible sea level would have had some idea of what It is worth mentioning just very rise by 2100 in new greenfield these machines would be worth to briefly in the time I have left the developments outside existing town the Victorian economy. When they contributions that those who operate boundaries. decided they would have an auction gaming venues make to the Victorian The changes provide consistency process for the poker machine economy, and I think no more so in addressing inundation risk in licences one would have thought than in regional Victoria, particularly the planning system. They provide they would have had some idea of up on the border. We all remember, for a commonsense approach to the value these things could bring I am sure, in years gone by busloads development in existing areas such in to so many areas across Victoria, of people heading across the border as Williamstown, Altona and Point but of course what happened was into New South Wales, unloading Cook. Councils, the development what always happens when Labor their pockets into the New South industry and all Victorians now tries just about anything: it stuffed it Wales economy and creating wealth have more clarity about the matters up, it botched it, and it cost Victorian and jobs in that state. That does not Catchment Management Authorities taxpayers billions of dollars. One can happen anymore. That money is by and Melbourne Water consider in only begin to imagine the sorts of and large kept here in Victoria, and providing advice about inundation risk for development in both

IN 28 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE existing coastal settlements and new and then does a dodgy deal with the Honourable members interjecting. greenfield development. vanquished — yes, even then we Hon. M. J. GUY — In the Ukraine The government is committed raise our glasses to the art of number they say, ‘Keep fire away from straw’, to developing further information crunching. and I would have thought today was to inform decision makers about As deep personal hatred, factional not the day for Labor members to possible future inundation risk within brawling and heartfelt promises of interject, unless one of them wants to coastal areas. This work is being led by retribution next time move aside, come over and headbutt me. the Department of Sustainability and we stand and applaud as the winner, I was asked an important question Environment (DSE). fresh from the kill of a preselection by Mr Finn, and it deserves a battle, enters this chamber. detailed answer. I recently launched COUNCIL | Adjournment (Reply) It is a glorious thing, a new member an employment precinct in 28 May 2013 of this house to add to the diversity Melbourne’s northern suburbs, in of backgrounds and interests held by the northern growth corridor — and fellow members — unless of course that employment suburb is called that new member just happens to Merrifield. It was my pleasure to Essendon: traffic spring from the same background be at that launch last week because and interests as most of the members that new precinct will create 20 000 management already on his side of the chamber. jobs for Melbourne’s northern Could it be the ALP has contributed suburbs. This builds on the back of plan to this diversity by giving us yet the Werribee employment precinct, Raised with the Minister for Roads another union good old boy? With which Mr Elsbury, Mr Finn and I on 19 March 2013 or without a slush fund I would launched last year, which will create REPLY: have thought the very last thing 50 000 jobs in Melbourne’s outer I am informed that, as at the date the Labor Party needs right now is western suburbs. Between them these the question was raised: another professional unionist in the precincts will get jobs where people There is traffic congestion at times Parliament. A small businessperson, live, build on the 20-minute city in Buckley Street due to the level a carpenter, a butcher, a baker, a concept and importantly get jobs to crossing and signalised intersection. candlestick maker — maybe even where people are going to move in our This location has to accommodate a totally discredited ex-mayor of a outer urban areas. This is a policy of trains, pedestrians, and nearby bus western suburban council — is much the coalition government that we are operations. needed in a Labor Party that has hit getting right, and it is about getting VicRoads is responsible for the the rocks and is sinking fast. Instead jobs in place before the people come management of Buckley Street. The the Labor Party give us another union to those suburbs. Moonee Valley City Council is the man — not even a union woman! We will see thousands of road authority responsible for Leslie Whatever will Joan Kirner say? people come to this area between Road. Honourable members interjecting. Craigieburn and Wallan in the next VicRoads will work with the The PRESIDENT — Order! few years. It is a major corridor in a Moonee Valley City Council regarding major growth area. That is why the the issues raised, to identify any government is putting in place a COUNCIL | Questions without Notice works-in-kind process so that some appropriate treatments to ensure the 29 May 2013 safety of road users with particular of that infrastructure can be realised attention to the safety needs of school earlier than it would normally be children. realised. Merrifield Importantly, that is why I was there to launch the Merrifield development COUNCIL | Members Statements — a 300-hectare business precinct, 29 May 2013 employment a 110-hectare town centre, future land for primary schools, secondary precinct: schools and open space. As I said Australian Labor development before, it exemplifies the 20-minute Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) city concept, actually getting Party: union — My question without notice is Melbourne into a polycentric form by directed to my friend and colleague building jobs growth in outer urban affiliation the Minister for Planning, and I growth areas so that people will Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) ask: can the minister advise the have jobs at the time of residential — The entry of a new member to this house what action he has taken to development. None of this is rocket house is always a joyous event — a bring forward employment land for science. It is about getting jobs in wonderful celebration of democracy Melbourne’s northern suburbs? place first. That is why the coalition in fact. Even when it is surrounded Hon. M. J. GUY (Minister for government is absolutely committed by bitter factional warfare it is still a Planning) — I thank Mr Finn for that to building a sustainable Melbourne marvellous thing. Even when one of important question about jobs and and sustainable outer urban areas. the most prominent federal cabinet growth in Melbourne’s outer urban This contrasts with what we ministers and arguably no. 1 factional areas. inherited when we came to warlord in Victoria makes a complete Honourable members interjecting. government. Suburbs had been galah of himself, it is still a salute to built but had had little infrastructure all things that make our nation great. Hon. M. J. GUY — Calm down, Mr upgrade for 10 years, like Point Even when one of the two major Lenders, we are only just into the Cook. There were suburbs that had political parties rips itself in two as question. many, many residents and structure it goes about choosing the victor This is an important — — plans approved with no level of

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 29 infrastructure upgrade submitted Labor’s happy hunting ground, but he happens to come adrift from his before them. it felt that it had to turf its traditional seat after the next election, as may That is why this government and people over in the west and the happen because I think the Greens others, including Mr Elsbury, Mr Finn marginal people in the east in pursuit are well and truly on the way out, and me, are proud to bring forward of a vote in the inner suburbs of I may consider taking him on as a $72 million worth of infrastructure for Melbourne. It is pathetic when a speech writer because he told me at the Werribee employment precinct political party puts its own political some length exactly what I was going and are proud to bring forward jobs interests ahead of what is good for this to say. What I really liked was Mr and jobs growth in Merrifield so that state, what is good for the people of Barber’s reference to the Good Ship the northern growth corridor will this state and, from my point of view, Lollipop bound for glory. It is a cross have jobs in place at the time people what is good for the people of the between Shirley Temple and Angry move in. western suburbs. Anderson. I wondered out loud who We are doing what is right, what I am here today representing the this cross between Shirley Temple is important, to build a sustainable western suburbs, Mr Melhem is here and Angry Anderson might be, and Melbourne for the long term. It is representing the western suburbs my good friend and colleague Mr not about short-sightedness. It is not and Mr Elsbury is here representing Ondarchie informed me that he was about building a city based on press the Western suburbs, and we all have probably referring to federal Greens releases and spin, which is what the same view: we all support the leader, Christine Milne. I do not know we inherited. It is about putting in east-west link. Mr Tee might like to if that is the case, but it is something place the infrastructure, the building get excited about it, but the fact is that to speculate on as we continue this blocks and the jobs to make sure that the view opposing the east-west link debate. Melbourne remains the world’s most on the opposition side of the house is I have to say to Mr Barber and this livable city. hardly unanimous, and if he does not house that having been around this believe me, he should turn around place for a fair while I heard many and asked the bloke behind him, of the arguments that Mr Barber COUNCIL because Mr Melhem will be able to and Mr Tee put today used against 29 May 2013 tell him all about it. CityLink. It is almost as if they picked I say only one thing to the Labor the arguments up from 20 years ago, Party: get on board. Let us make a put them down on the desk, opened East-West Link: decision here today to support the the book and are using them all over east-west link — with no more delays, again. They say that history repeats Community no more inquiries and no more itself, and ain’t that the truth, because committees — because it is good for we are hearing today exactly the Impact Melbourne and Victoria. I say to the same arguments we heard nearly two Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Labor Party it is decision time. It is decades ago against CityLink. — I will endeavour to wake myself time that ALP members got on board, We now know just how important and indeed the chamber after having put aside their own parochial interests CityLink is, and the importance of listened to a huge dose of human and decided what is best for the the east-west link to this city and Mogadon for the last half hour or so. people of Victoria. It is most certainly to this state was illustrated, far too Mrs Peulich — It was his usual stuff. the east-west link. graphically, just a couple of weeks Mr FINN — It was his usual stuff, it If Labor members wanted to look ago when we had that dreadful has to be said. at it in political terms, perhaps they accident on the Bolte Bridge, which could look at it in these terms: do caused the whole road network What we heard from Mr Tee in Melbourne to shut down. Our throughout his contribution was an they want to win Melbourne or do they want to win Macedon? Do they network was gridlocked from one end attempt to divert attention from this of Melbourne to the other. motion. It was not a very successful want to win Tarneit? Do they want attempt, but this amendment that to win some of those seats out in the If we had had the east-west link, the Labor Party has put forward and eastern suburbs that I cannot quite that would not have happened. We the speech by Mr Tee, which, as I think of at the moment? Do they want would not have had gridlock; we said, was pretty dozy stuff, is all about to win those seats that are occupied would have had an alternative that trying to get us to concentrate on by people who at the moment are people could have used to get to something else — anything else — stuck in gridlock on the Tullamarine, where they wanted to get to whether because the Labor Party has had a the West Gate, the Eastern and the they were commercial travellers, truck lot of trouble with this issue over an Monash freeways and who would use drivers or commuters heading to extended period of time. The Labor the east-west link in their thousands work. I point out to Mr Barber that it Party of course used to support this every day? has been estimated that some 40 per motion. These people are desperate for an cent of people who use the West Gate Freeway do not want to go into the Mrs Peulich — So did Mr Melhem. east-west link, and the Labor Party is saying to them, ‘Forget it. We’re city; they want to go to the other side Mr FINN — Mr Melhem may well putting our political interests ahead of of town and if they want to do that, want to speak on this motion, and I yours’, and that is pretty pathetic. I will clearly they are going to use the east- hope he does. The Labor Party used be opposing the amendment moved west link. It makes sense. to support this motion, then came the by Mr Tee. It is just another delay that I am not sure where Mr Barber gets Melbourne by-election and for purely Victoria can do without. his figures from, although I suspect political reasons Labor dumped the it will be from a place that is possibly people of the western and the eastern I turn to Mr Barber’s contribution, and what a fascinating contribution not all that hygienic, but I can assure suburbs out the window in its hunt for you I will not go into that in any votes in the inner city. it was, because he told me what I was going to say and he got some depth. The western suburbs used to be of it right. I say to Mr Barber that if I particularly enjoyed this motion

IN 30 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE as much as anything else for its link, they do not care that this project the east-west link just as we — Mr first component, where Mr Barber needs the federal funding that Julia Elsbury and I, as representatives of opposed the Napthine government’s Gillard is denying it. That money is the western suburbs — support the proposed east-west tollway because going to where Julia Gillard needs the east-west link, because we know it is it lacked a ‘robust economic case’. votes. I will tell you what: it is going best for the people of the west, and I did have a bit of a chuckle to hear to be a huge waste of money, because that is what we need. As a member of the Greens professing concern for she is not going to get the votes up this place I support the east-west link the taxpayer and professing that there anyway, so she is wasting her and, as a result, like the government, I they have some sense of economic time. will be opposing both the amendment responsibility. Give me a break! Since I will say to the house what I have and the motion. when have the Greens cared about said to the house before. I really hope the taxpayers of Australia? Since when we do not get to the point of debating COUNCIL | Statements on Reports have the Greens cared about any this matter every week because it 29 May 2013 economic responsibility at all? They could become almost as boring as show every day in Canberra that they Mr Tee, and that is really saying do not care where the money comes something. I say to Mr Tee and to from. They just want to spend it; that members of the opposition that every Outer Suburban/ is what they are on about. They make day thousands of people are caught Wayne Swan look genuinely stingy, on the West Gate Freeway and the Interface Services and that is really saying something. Tullamarine Freeway, and all they The highest spending Treasurer in want to do is to get to work. Every and Development Australia’s history is tight compared morning and every night all they want to the Greens, so for the Greens to is to get to work and then to get home. Committee: come into this house and start talking At the moment they are prevented about a robust economic case really from doing that in any speedy and livability options makes me laugh. I find that extremely reasonable way by virtue of the fact amusing. that the congestion is beyond all in outer suburban I would dearly love to make a reason. We need the east-west link. number of other points on this Those people stuck in the traffic need Melbourne particular motion, but unfortunately the east-west link. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) I have been asked to keep my What time is it now — a quarter — I rise this evening to make a comments as brief as possible, so I past five? We are talking about the contribution on the Outer Suburban/ will do so. However, I make the point peak hour. Right now the Tullamarine Interface Services and Development that the east-west link will bring Freeway and the West Gate Freeway Committee’s report on the inquiry enormous benefits to the western outbound will both be chock-a-block; into the livability options in outer suburbs of Melbourne. I know that they would be jam-packed. Mr Tee suburban Melbourne. It is a matter Mr Barber does not care about the should go out and tell those people that attracts my personal interest western suburbs of Melbourne, nor that he does not care how long they because I have lived in the outer does he care particularly about any sit on the freeway, that he does not suburbs for quite some time. This outer suburb of Melbourne. As far as care how long it takes them to get report, to say the very least, is Mr Barber is concerned, he goes with home, that he does not care how long thorough. I commend the committee the old tradition that Victoria ends at it takes them to see their families and in particular its chair, Mrs the end of the tram tracks. He does and their loved ones, because that Kronberg, whose enthusiasm for this not particularly care what happens in is the attitude of the Labor Party, report knows no bounds, it would Werribee, Melton, Sunbury or any of the attitude of the Greens and most seem, and understandably so because those places you travel through as you certainly not the attitude of this it is an excellent publication. go out through eastern, western or government. We want the east-west The report is very well put together. northern suburbs. link built, built now and as soon It covers a whole range of matters He does not care about those as is practically possible. From my that one would regard as being pretty areas, but I can assure him that point of view and from those of Mr important if you live in the outer thousands and thousands of people Elsbury and Mr Melhem, it will be a suburbs — the interface suburbs. are desperately waiting for the east- huge benefit and a great boon for the They are things such as population west link to be built, and it will be very western suburbs; indeed it will be a growth and other demographic much welcomed, as most of Victoria major plus for the city of Melbourne, trends; housing affordability and the very much welcomed Tony Abbott’s for the suburbs of Melbourne and cost of living; planning for livability offer of $1.5 billion to get this project indeed for the state of Victoria. in outer suburban Melbourne; up and running. I urge those members of the community cohesion; livability and What a great pity it is that the opposition who are very keen to the environment; medical, health outgoing Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, see the east-west link built to come and support services; state planning has refused to make any contribution and join us on this matter. I urge policy framework; and a whole to the east-west link at all. She has them to make their views known, range of matters which clearly affect kicked in huge sums of money for not just in their party room, if they those who live in outer Melbourne. I the western suburbs of Sydney, but were allowed to do that, but also in understand that the Acting President of course that is where the marginal this Parliament. Some may not have may be in that situation, as indeed seats are. That is the only thing the had the opportunity for all that long am I and the many thousands — a Labor Party cares about. Just as to make their views known on this number that is increasing — of people Labor’s members do not care about matter within this house, but I ask who are finding themselves in that what is beneficial for the people of them, very humbly of course, to make situation as well. Victoria with regard to the east-west their views known, that they support I have lived in the city of Hume

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 31 for many years. I used to live in COUNCIL — but deliver absolutely nothing the former city of Broadmeadows 30 May 2013 and then spread stories that the before the changes in council state government has rejected the boundaries and the amalgamations, federal government’s offer. We would and I recall when I was first elected be delighted to accept the federal to the seat of Tullamarine back in Budget Papers government’s offer if there was one. 1992 that I was the only member of We would be delighted to accept Parliament representing that area 2013-14 the federal government’s money for who actually lived within the city of Debate resumed from 28 May; just about anything if it would like to Broadmeadows, which tells you a lot motion of Hon. P. R. HALL (Minister actually offer it to us. for Higher Education and Skills): about the representation by the Labor I am a bit concerned about people Party in that area even back then. That the Council take note of the budget papers 2013-14. like Mr Shorten, who seek to deceive Unfortunately, very little has the electorate in that way, but I changed in that regard. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) suppose when you consider that — I rise to, firstly, congratulate the I live out there and I well recall the Mr Shorten is partly responsible for Treasurer, Michael O’Brien, on his putting in place the most dishonest old Shire of Bulla of which Sunbury first budget. From the point of view was, I suppose, the capital. The Shire Prime Minister in this country’s of somebody who represents the history, it should not be surprising of Bulla had the slogan City Living, western suburbs, it is sensational. Country Style, and I think that is that he would go down the same path It is a great budget; in fact, as I himself. something that appeals to people who have discussed with my friend and live in that part of the world because colleague Mr Elsbury, this is the I do not want to concentrate we live in the country. I live in Bulla best budget the western suburbs too much on areas that I am now and we very much live in the of Melbourne have ever had in the sure Mr Elsbury will cover in his country, but at the same time I can history of Victoria. After years and contribution, because I know he be in the car park at Etihad Stadium years of neglect, it is exciting. After has been very involved in getting in 15 minutes if I really need to be, generations of neglect by Labor, of its funding for schools, particularly in although it would probably take me own turf in particular — or what its the Werribee area, and I note that a little bit longer if I slowed down a members like to think of as their own he has done a great job in putting in little. turf, anyway — it is wonderful that a place a program to re-establish the The joys of living in that area are Liberal government is delivering for dental health service in the west. something I hold very close to my the west of Melbourne. I remember visiting the western heart, and it is of particular interest to dental health service back when That is something that the people we were in opposition and seeing me that the government has this last of the west appreciate and are a week announced that Sunbury will be the dilapidated state of the place, little bit surprised about, I have to which was the norm under the Labor given the option of forming its own say. I know because they are telling municipality. This is something that government. They told me, ‘They me they are thrilled with and very take us for granted’. Mind you, that is has been pushed within the Sunbury much appreciate what the Liberal community for many years. not surprising, because in the west government is doing for the west. At Labor took everybody for granted. I It is a promise that was made by long last the years of neglect are over, the former Labor government back emphasise the word ‘took’, because and that neglect has been ended by I think at long, long last the people in 1999. The then member who was the Napthine Liberal government. running for the seat of Tullamarine of the western suburbs are saying to I am sure that is something that a lot Labor, as did people in the Northern made that promise back in 1999 and is of people in the western suburbs will interesting to note that 14 years later Territory not all that long ago, ‘We are remember when they wander into a sick of the way you have treated us for it is the coalition government that has polling booth at the next election. actually come to the party. so many years. We are sick of it, and Of course there are some you just we are not going to give you unbridled I would like to congratulate Mrs cannot please. The mayor of the loyalty anymore. It is not going to Petrovich, who I know has been City of Wyndham was asked what happen anymore’. That is a great thing working very hard on this matter. I she thought about the state budget, for the western suburbs, and Labor know she takes a particular interest and she said, ‘We were dudded’. Cr just might actually have to wake up in what happens in Sunbury and in Marcus is a lovely woman, but she is and realise that the people of the west Bulla and we appreciate the work confused. She obviously thought that — — she puts in and give her thanks in the question was about the federal anticipation of the work she will do as Mr Elsbury interjected. budget, because that is what dudded Mr FINN — Mr Elsbury, I have to the federal member for McEwen later the west — the federal government. this year. I am particularly looking say there are some on the Labor side The western suburbs of Melbourne who are not entirely stupid — granted forward to having her as my federal got nothing out of federal Treasurer representative in the national capital; not many, but there are some — and Wayne Swan’s final budget as I am sure they will work out exactly I think she will do a fantastic job. She Treasurer. We got nothing, and it is has done a great job as a member what is going on out in the western absolutely pathetic that people like suburbs before too long. for Northern Victorian Region and federal Minister for Employment and I am sure that work will continue in Workplace Relations Bill Shorten, I mention briefly the mental health Canberra. Mr Glass Jaw himself, get on the service, which has been given a huge As I said, this is a sensational report front page of newspapers and get and much-needed boost in funding which is well worth a read, and when up at public events to talk up what out in the west. People have long members are not reading it they can the federal government is going to been waiting for the intensive care use it to keep the door open. contribute to — for example, the unit at Sunshine Hospital, so no more St Albans level crossing problem episodes of Cop Shop — or whatever shows they may be — will be filmed

IN 32 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE there. Cop Shop is probably going onto the scrap heap. They either excites me to know we are going to back a little bit. The area set aside for went to a mainstream school, to a have an education system for children the intensive care unit will be used as special school or fell between the with autism in the western suburbs of an intensive care unit. It has to be said cracks completely, and this was Melbourne that is the best bar none. I it is a novel approach, but under this happening on an all-too-regular am thrilled that it will be happening. I government that sort of novelty will basis. It was absolutely intolerable to could go on to talk about the impact it become the norm. have a situation in the 21st century will have on families. Then we have funding for the where children with a disability were Mr Ondarchie — You did this. Werribee East precinct, in which openly discriminated against based Mr FINN — I do not want to go into the Minister for Planning, Matthew purely on where they lived. I could that. The fact of the matter is that we Guy, has taken a particular interest. not understand, and I still do not have reversed an injustice, and that is I am very much looking forward to understand, how this situation was a very good thing indeed. allowed to continue for as long it did. the opening of the much-needed I stand here today feeling Sneydes Road interchange, much- At a function about five years ago particularly proud of representing needed particularly by the people I well remember the father of a child the western suburbs of Melbourne of Point Cook. I know those people with autism sitting with me at a table and proud to be a member of the are showing their gratitude in very and crying as he tried to describe to Napthine coalition government. I large numbers for this further me how he felt about his child not think to myself how far the western development, and I would like to put having anywhere to go to school the suburbs have come in just two short on record my gratitude to Minister following year. He asked me, ‘What years. We have to remember that Guy for his support in reaching out to am I going to do? Where is my boy under Labor, state and federal, the the people of Point Cook and trying to going to go to school next year?’. At west got nothing. Labor did not rectify Labor’s neglect of Point Cook that point I had to say that I did not want to know about us. The western for the best part of a decade. know, because there was nowhere to suburbs now have a government that It is extraordinary that the Labor go. cares about them. The government Party would take so much money In the west we have had a particular is concerned about people in the from the people of Point Cook and social experiment, I suppose — western suburbs and their families, give them nothing in return. As a education experiment; call it what their education, their health services representative of the people of Point you will — that has failed. and their transport needs. This Cook I find it gratifying that we in this It has failed many children and government is delivering and is government are giving back in a way many families. I am delighted to say providing. I am sure that I speak for that Labor would never have even that this government has turned that Mr Elsbury when I say we are very thought a possibility, and that will around, and very soon — next year proud to do this for the west. continue. I know Mr Elsbury joins me — phase 1 of the Western Autistic in saying to the people of Point Cook School project will open, which is that we are working in their interests. COUNCIL | Adjournment very exciting indeed. It is about much 30 May 2013 We are working for those areas that more than education; it is about social have been denied for so long, and justice. We hear a lot from members we will deliver. I am sure that what opposite about their social justice we have delivered to this point has concerns, but in this area they did Rail: St Albans surprised those people, but we know nothing to right a wrong and they there is so much more, and we will did nothing to right an injustice. I level crossing deliver what people need in Point am delighted to say that now the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Cook. We will overcome Point Cook’s Napthine Liberal government has — I raise a matter for the attention neglect by the Labor Party. provided for those children and their of the Minister for Public Transport. There is one part of this budget families the sort of support they have It concerns the ongoing issue of the of which I am particularly proud — long needed. St Albans railway crossing in the that is, the announcement that the I cannot tell the house how much I western suburbs and the solution Western Autistic School at Laverton am looking forward to attending the to this particular problem. As Mr will be fully funded. opening of that school next year, and I Melhem said yesterday, this should Mr Elsbury — Good work, mate! will be keeping a very close eye on the be a matter that both sides of politics development of that school. I believe agree on, and it should be resolved Mr FINN — Thank you, Mr Elsbury. as quickly as possible. I will not go I have taken a particular interest in if we go the right way, we can provide an education not just for children through the history of this issue, but it this project for five years, I suppose. goes back some decades. Needless to As members would be aware I have a with autism in that particular location but as a part of outreach programs to say, lives have been lost at this railway personal interest in the area of autism crossing. I am confident that we as a and particularly autism education. children with autism right across the western suburbs of Melbourne. government will begin work on the It came to my attention shortly after This will be a model that Victoria project within the next 12 months, so I was elected to this place in 2006 that that is something we will be looking children with autism in the west were can be incredibly proud of. This will be a model which will be not just forward to very much indeed. getting a very raw deal, as were their The matter I wish to raise with families. world standard but leading the world. It will be a model that people will the minister tonight has had some Children with autism in the east, come from overseas to see and copy, confusion surrounding it in recent in the north and in the south had and they are welcome to copy it. times following the intrusion of the 12 years of education available to This is something that excites me federal member for Maribyrnong, them, but in the west children with Bill Shorten, who has on a number autism had four years of education beyond words — and that is not something that happens too often. It of occasions now made some and then they were basically thrown suggestions that federal funding

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 33 would be available for this project, and I ask: can the minister advise community garden and promote only to back away at a significant rate the house of any recent funding healthy eating. of knots when he has been called on announcements to support public These three new projects provide it. Following a recent visit to the — — housing communities in Melbourne’s support to the East Reservoir area The PRESIDENT — Order! Can Mr Northern Metropolitan Region? as it moves to a future beyond the Finn assure me that he has not raised Hon. W. A. LOVELL (Minister for neighbourhood renewal program, this same matter previously on the Housing) — I thank the member as it is now going into a mainstream adjournment debate? for his question and his ongoing phase. Mr FINN — It is similar, but it is interest in public housing tenants in I wish all the participants well different. Victoria. Last week I was fortunate in their work and look forward to The PRESIDENT — Order! So long enough to attend a morning tea for hearing about the positive outcomes as I am assured it is a different matter. recent graduates of the East Reservoir of these projects. neighbourhood renewal pathways Mr FINN — Yes, it is. support project. The federal Minister for COUNCIL | Papers At that program I was joined by 12 June 2013 Infrastructure and Transport, Steve Maillet from Melbourne City Anthony Albanese, visited recently Mission; David Redfearn, the recently and said that he would write to the appointed chair of Preston Reservoir Prime Minister. adult community education; Cheryle Accident He gave the local community some Michael, the secretary and former hope that money would be coming chair of Preston Reservoir adult Compensation from the federal government for community education; and also Sue this project, but when the federal Silk, the neighbourhood renewal Legislation (Fair budget came out there was not a coordinator from the Reservoir area. cracker. Again, that belief that federal At that morning tea I was fortunate Protection for government funds would be coming enough to meet some participants was ill founded. in the pathway support project, Firefighters) Bill The belief is being promoted as including Mojtaba Rezai, who is part of an ongoing campaign of a young Afghan boy who is very 2011 misinformation and what I believe impressive, Jian Xiao, Maria Briggs, Mrs COOTE (Southern is clearly an attempt to mislead and Ronnie Spyker, Corina Walford and Metropolitan) presented report, confuse local people. We should Mary Holdsworth. They all told me of including appendices, together with not get it wrong. I have no doubt the value of that program and what it transcripts of evidence. we are very happy to accept federal has provided for them. Laid on table. money for this project if — and it is Whilst we were there we were also Ordered that report be printed. a very large ‘if’ — that ever becomes fortunate enough to make another available. Mrs COOTE (Southern funding announcement for the Metropolitan) — I move: The reason I raise this matter region. We announced $92 000 in tonight is to ask the minister to funding for three projects. That the Council take note of the report. clarify for the benefit of the St Albans These three projects will enable the community and the surrounding neighbourhood renewal coordinator, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) areas the exact facts surrounding the Sue Silk, to remain in her position on — I rise to support the Economy and funding of this project, particularly if a part-time basis, which was really Infrastructure Legislation Committee the federal government has offered welcomed by the local residents. report on the Accident Compensation any funding, and what is or would Legislation (Fair Protection for be the Victorian state government’s We announced $30 000 for Firefighters) Bill 2011 that Mrs Coote attitude if such funding was offered. the family violence prevention spoke to extremely well this morning. I also ask the minister to reassure the and community empowerment I commend her on her chairmanship local communities that if the federal playgroup. That involves 10 local of the committee and also the deputy, government will not come to the agencies working together to deliver Ms Pulford, and the other members party, then the Victorian government a coordinated approach to prevent of the committee, who were as one will indeed go it alone with this family violence in East Reservoir. in seeking a reasonable, sensible project. The program consists of a play and response to the issue placed before educational session for children aged us, and we have produced just that. I up to four. The program also works would also like to put on the record COUNCIL | Questions without Notice with vulnerable parents and carers to 11 June 2013 my thanks to the committee staff for provide them with information and doing a sensational job. resources to prevent family violence. As members would know, for some We also announced $32 000 for time I have shown considerable Housing: a work and learning 3073 project. interest in the role of the Legislative This will be run by Melbourne Council as a house of this Parliament. Northern Citymission and E-Focus and will Without canvassing too much the assist residents to access jobs and issues of where we should be going as Metropolitan training opportunities. We announced a house, or indeed perhaps a name $30 000 for the road to independence change, it is worth looking at this Region project. This is supported by Darebin report not just as a consideration Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) City Council. It will encourage local of the constitutionality of a piece of — My question without notice is families and young children to proposed legislation put forward directed to the Minister for Housing, work together at the East Reservoir by Ms Hartland but as setting a new

IN 34 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE standard for this house in the state of (c) all documents (including when today’s Hansard is produced Victoria. We consulted widely with invitees list, agenda, minutes I am going to photocopy it and give constitutional experts, including where they exist and the Microsoft my wife a copy of Mr Barber’s speech. those from the Australian Senate, and PowerPoint presentation used) She can then give it to this young lady I believe if the report is adopted by the relating to a briefing, held on 17 — — July 2012 at the Treasury building, Council, it will add to the relevance of on the development of a business Mr Tee — Are you going to get it this house, which will be given a new case for the east-west link; and autographed? lease of life. (d) all minutes and other Mr FINN — We might get it It is a very exciting report. I never documentation of meetings held autographed. My wife will be able thought it would be an exciting with over 40 entities by the Minister to give this young lady, chapter and report; I never thought that when for Roads and/or department of verse, evidence of exactly what the we considered section 62 of the transport representatives relating Greens stand for. I thought I was constitution that the word ‘exciting’ to the proposed east-west tunnel listening to Uncle Joe Stalin. What would come into it in any way, shape infrastructure project, which are an extraordinary feat by Mr Barber. or form. However, I believe that when referenced in the media release I thought that sort of thinking came history is written this report will go ‘East-west link is declared under major transport projects act’. down with the Berlin Wall. But no, not down as a point where the past was here in Victoria; we have the Greens. turned around for the better. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I have sat here for the last hour or Of course we also have Mr Tee over so, and I can fully understand why there spouting the same sort of thing, COUNCIL the benches opposite are empty. I except nobody actually stayed awake 12 June 2013 can fully understand why there is long enough to hear it. Mr Barber only one member of the Labor Party would like to have us all living in trees, and one member of the Greens in but only if that did not harm the trees. this chamber. Two-thirds of the As we know, the Greens have a much Production Of Greens have abandoned the chamber higher regard for trees than they do Documents altogether, and all but one member for human beings. Mr BARBER (Northern of the Labor Party has gone as well. I I ask the question: why do we have Metropolitan) — I move: can understand why. It was a toss of to do this every week? How long is the coin. Members could listen either this going to go on for? Every week we That this house — to the lunacy that was being spewed have a beer on a Friday night, footy on (1) notes that the documents by Mr Barber earlier, which had to be a Saturday, roast dinner on a Sunday, relating to the east-west link, heard to be believed, or they had the and on Wednesday it is fairytales with ordered by the resolution of the prospect of listening to Mr Tee. I can Uncle Greg. Every week he speaks Council on 17 April 2013 to be fully understand how the prospect of on the east-west link. If I am sick of tabled in the Council by 7 May it, I am quite sure that a lot of other 2013, have not been received by the listening to Mr Tee would clear the Council; chamber; he would clear the benches. people are getting pretty sick of it. Mr Ondarchie — It is like (2) notes the letter of 7 May I say to Mr Tee in all sincerity 2013 from the Minister for Public that the greatest contribution he Remember When. Transport in response to the could make — indeed the greatest Mr FINN — It is like Remember Council’s resolution; contribution that I am going to When. (3) affirms the privileges, suggest that he makes — to this Perhaps next time we have a immunities and powers conferred project would be to actually dig the vacancy on the other side of the on the Council pursuant to section tunnel himself because I reckon he chamber Bruce or Phil could fill in. 19 of the Constitution Act 1975; could bore through anything! He has It could be absolutely sensational (4) affirms the need to protect done so again this afternoon. It was for the cause. Why do we have to go the high standing of Parliament absolutely extraordinary. through this every week? It has been and to ensure that the Council may A friend of my wife, who is a nurse, my view for a very long time that properly discharge its duties and made the mistake of telling my wife there are a number of dreadful sins in responsibilities; and one day at work that she voted for the this life. I know Mr Barber does not (5) requires the Leader of the Greens at the last election. believe in that sort of thing, so I will Government to table by Tuesday, 25 Hon. M. J. Guy — Don’t tell your not push it with him. Of all the great June 2013, a copy of — daughter. sins in this world there is one that I (a) all documents relating Mr FINN — I would not tell any believe tops the list and that is the to the ‘Route alignments peer of the daughters. That would not be sin of waste. Once you have wasted reviewed and short-listed’ and a good idea at all. Since that time something, there is no way to get it ‘Communications and engagement my wife has taken it upon herself to back. strategy finalised’ referred to on Mr Ondarchie interjected. page 3 of ‘East-west link reform educate this particular young lady and investment framework — about exactly what the Greens stand Mr FINN — As Mr Ondarchie stages 1 to 6, August 2012’, which for. suggests, this particularly applies to formed part of the east-west link This young lady was under the time. Today we have again wasted an submission to Infrastructure impression that the Greens stand for inordinate amount of time debating Australia; planting trees and mowing grass or something that we debated two weeks (b) the agenda, minutes, any something — whatever people think ago and two weeks before that. Do we attachments to the minutes and any Greens are supposed to do — but have to do this? Why could Mr Barber presentations or materials tabled my wife has taken it upon herself to not just get up and incorporate in in relation to each meeting of the educate this particular lass about Hansard the speech that he gave two department of transport’s east-west what the Greens really stand for. I weeks ago? steering committee to date; will tell you what I am going to do: I am going to give much the same

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 35 speech that I gave two weeks ago, and about going outside for a drink. Quite As for Mr Ondarchie, I do not know; I can tell members that — — frankly, even though coming up on he might know a few more. We may Mr Tee interjected. either 11 or 15 August it will be five canvass that a little bit later on, but Mr FINN — I advise Mr Tee that years since I gave up smoking, I very the bottom line is that if you do not nobody would know or care about seriously thought about taking it up have people investing money, the the speech he gave two weeks ago — again while listening to this bloke this world does not go around. The whole or at any time, for that matter. You afternoon. Fair dinkum, he would show just comes to a screeching halt. just switch on Captain Snooze and drive a Jehovah’s Witness to drink! We had Mr Barber coming here we are all off to sleep. I wonder what What we have heard from this bloke today attempting la what happened on God’s earth the Greens have in here this afternoon was absolutely in the City Square to occupy Spring mind with regard to the east-west extraordinary. Is it any wonder that Street. That is what he was attempting link. Certainly it is a vitally important the Greens are on the way out? Is it to do here today. I am surprised that project for the future of Melbourne any wonder that this bloke over here he did not pull out a sleeping bag and and Victoria. It is most certainly is going to lose his seat at the next a tent. That was his effort here today: vitally important for the future of election? to give us the whole left tirade, the old Melbourne’s west. It is going to The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr nonsense we have heard from the left happen. Is it the Greens’ strategy to Elasmar) — Order! Mr Finn will for so long. Ever since I was a kid we try to talk this thing out until such address the member by using the have heard the same thing over and time as we all give up and walk away? word ‘member’ or the member’s over again, and here today we had it That is not going to happen. If that is name. from Mr Barber. Mr Barber’s strategy — if he thinks he Mr FINN — I have been doing so, You would have thought that the can bore us into submission — that is Acting President. I did not call him man was a sophisticated, educated not going to happen. Shrek; I said he was talking about and learned man. After listening to his contribution Shrek. There are a number of people Mr Ondarchie interjected. this afternoon I have to say it was around here that I could refer to as Mr FINN — Yes, that is what I remarkable to say the very least. Shrek, but I would never refer to Mr thought. A bit over the odds, Mr Mr Barber took us to Los Angeles Barber as Shrek, because he is not Ondarchie; that is a fair point. This (LA). He took us through various a green; as we all know, in fact he is man is a former Yarra City councillor. I parts of California on the freeway a red. That is the bottom line of Mr mean, he has reached the heights. You system. Having recently travelled Barber’s contribution this afternoon. cannot get much better than being a on the freeway system in LA I had He and the Greens showed their true Yarra councillor, but he has come in some sympathy with what he was colours today. They are not Greens; here today with this nonsense that I saying, because clearly not a cent they are reds. That is what they are: find absolutely astonishing. has been spent on those freeways they are reds. Some of the nonsense I will not go on much longer, for many a long year. That would that came out of Mr Barber’s mouth because I know that Mr Elsbury wants be because California is broke, and was straight out of the manifesto of to say a few words. The big question why is California broke? It is because the Communist Party of Australia that Mr Barber wanted answered was: they have all the green policies in circa 1953. why are we going ahead with this California, and you cannot afford to Where has he been for the last 60 project? Why are we going ahead with turn the electricity on over there. That years? He still actually believes this the east-west link? I say to Mr Barber, is why California is broke: it is because nonsense. He still actually believes through you, Acting President, we they let the Greens run the show. it is the evil Liberals who are going are going through with this project When Mr Barber gets up here and to lead us all to rack and ruin, and it because it is good for Victoria. We starts to lecture us about LA and what is the nasty capitalists who are going are going through with this project is happening in California, he is the to eat our children in bed at night. because it is good for Victorians. one in this place who should be taking I mean, this man needs help. He responsibility for why California is Mr Barber made a prediction. He honestly needs help. It is just the most actually got something right, so it is a broke and why California cannot extraordinary nonsense that he came afford to fix its freeways. red-letter day in a lot of ways. He got out with today, and I almost feel sorry this right. He made a prediction. He It is the Greens, the green policies for him. said that I would come in here and I and people like Al Gore, Ralph Nader As Mr Ondarchie knows, I am a would represent — I think he referred and all those sorts of nut cases we compassionate man, and I see this to them as — the ‘little man’. That is have seen over decades in the United poor individual, Mr Barber, over there his reference to, I presume — — States who have forced the people of jabbering on with some nonsense Mr Barber — The battler. California into the financial strife they from the middle of last century; it is are in today, where they cannot afford rampaging paranoia at full pace. In Mr FINN — The battler, if he now to fix their roads. fact I would go as far as to say that Mr wishes to refer to them as the battlers. We were taken from LA in California Barber’s paranoia could give Black He said that I would represent the to heaven. He took us to heaven. I Caviar a run for its money; that is how little man, and yes, I will. did not think I would ever see the well it is galloping. He gave us a tirade Hon. M. J. Guy — He doesn’t day when I would hear Greg Barber about the evils of capitalism, the evils represent me! and heaven mentioned in the same of investment — and of merchant Mr FINN — Not that little, Mr Guy, sentence, but here we have the day bankers. Apparently he seems to think not that little; so you can relax. when Mr Barber took us to heaven that all evil comes from merchant Hon. M. J. Guy — I’m only 5 feet 7, and back. What a load of nonsense bankers. I have to say I do not know a and he doesn’t represent me! that was. He then tried to explain the huge number of merchant bankers. Mr FINN — The only man I know concept of an onion, la Shrek style — Mr Elsbury tells me he does not who Steve Price looks up to, and that’s there were layers upon layers — and know many merchant bankers either. a good thing, too. by that stage I was seriously thinking

IN 36 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE Mr Barber came in here and Mr Ondarchie interjected. than they want anything else. correctly said that I would talk about Mr FINN — John Cain, Jr. I think They want to be able to get to work people in my electorate, I would talk John Cain, Sr was probably a man and to get home and see their families about those people who actually work who had a lot more common sense in a way that they should, in a way for a living — those people who get up than his son, which is not saying that is only reasonable. In this day in the morning, go to work, do their a great deal, but he probably did. and age it is a nonsense that people day’s work and get back in their car I recall the stories of John Cain, Sr should be stuck for literally hours, in and go home in the hope that they ordering his driver not to travel on some instances, just trying to go about will see their family that night. freeways. their daily routine. I will leave it at It is interesting that Mr Barber Hon. M. J. Guy — John Cain, Jr. that. I will certainly not be supporting could not actually come to use the Mr FINN — John Cain, Jr. I do this motion, and I urge the house to word ‘family’, because that of course apologise, Mr Guy. I recall John Cain, likewise oppose it. is something that the Greens are Jr ordering his driver not to travel on totally opposed to. Children are the freeways. COUNCIL | Statements on Reports great enemy of the environment, 12 June 2013 apparently, according to this mob We had a situation where the over here. One should not encourage Premier of the state would be them and one should actively travelling up hills and down dales discourage them, if not just kill and up side streets and down back Outer Suburban/ them altogether, as we have heard in alleys to avoid travelling on a freeway previous debates in this house. because he had some philosophical objection to travelling on a freeway. Interface Services But that was from Mr Barber, who That is what gave us the south-eastern said that I would represent the little car park. We all remember what a and Development man, and he is right. Because I have debacle that was. been in the situation where I have Committee: had to drive extensive distances to That is the thing, I have to say, that go to work, I have put in my 8, 9, 10 I have never been able to understand livability options or 11-hour days, I have been paid about the Greens. They oppose and paid tax at the end of the week or freeways and they oppose ways in outer suburban fortnight, and at the end of each day I of getting cars from one dot to the have had to get back into my car and other. They oppose that, but they are more than happy for those cars to sit Melbourne drive another 11/2 hours or 2 hours Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) to get home. I know what a difference, spewing out emissions, spewing out carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. — I rise this afternoon to make a for example, the EastLink project few comments on the report of the would have made to my day when I They are happy with that. I would have thought that if there was any Outer Suburban Interface Services was working at Wantirna and living in and Development Committee Sunbury. logic on that side of the house at all, if there was any logic from the Greens inquiry into livability options in outer Instead of it taking me 2 hours to at all, they would support freeways, suburban Melbourne, which, as I get there and 2 hours to get back, that they would support tunnels, they have mentioned previously, is quite a time would have been cut in half. It would support things which allowed mouthful. But it is a very good report, would have made a huge difference. cars to get from A to B as quickly as and, as Mr O’Brien mentioned earlier, I feel for those people who right possible, that would cut the emissions makes quite a significant contribution now — at 25 past 5 — are stuck on the and would stop that dreadful CO2 to the future of the state and West Gate Freeway, those people who stuff that the trees breathe and die particularly those areas of the outer are stuck on the Tullamarine Freeway, without. All that would be stopped if suburban area that I represent — — those people who are stuck on the cars were given the opportunity to get The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Eastern Freeway. All they want to do from one place to the other as quickly Ramsay) — Order! There are six or is go home and see their husbands as possible. I would have thought seven conversations happening in or their wives, or go home and see that that was logical, but, as we know, the chamber. I ask those who want their kids. All they want to do is what logic and the Greens are mutually to converse to do so outside the families have done for generations, exclusive, and particularly on this chamber. and many generations before them. subject. Mr FINN — I am staggered that they They have had their day at work. There is no sense that has come would have spoken over you, Acting They have put in their 8 hours. They from Mr Barber this afternoon. I can President. I am very pleased to speak now just want to go home and enjoy assure him and Ms Hartland, and Ms on this report. I have commended what they work for. They want to go Pennicuik for that matter, that I will Mrs Kronberg in the past for her role home, put their feet up, watch the make it my solemn duty to inform as chair of this committee. The report telly, maybe have a beer, or a scotch the people of Werribee, to inform the has in fact been referred to by some, perhaps, play with the kids, go to bed, people of Point Cook and to inform irreverently, as the Book of Jan. We get up and do it all again tomorrow. the people of Caroline Springs and the will have a reading of that at some But what this crowd over here will tell other outlying areas in the western future date, but I particularly want you is that they cannot do that, not suburbs that it was the Greens who to make reference this evening to until they have run the gauntlet of the did everything they could to stop the the part of the report which refers to Greens anti-road policies Because east-west link. This is something that planning for livability. that is what it is all about. The Labor they will wear like a crown of thorns I am particularly pleased, when I Party and the Greens hate freeways. come the next election. They will wear am referring to ‘planning for livability’, In years gone by I have gone into that, because the people of the outer that the Minister for Planning, Mr extensive detail about John Cain, a west want the east-west link more Guy, is in the chamber, because former Premier of this state. Mr Guy has taken a great deal of

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 37 interest in housing diversification. I congratulate Mrs Kronberg, and COUNCIL | Second Reading He has taken a great deal of interest I commend this report to the house 13 June 2013 in ensuring that one size fits all and indeed to the minister. is no longer the case. Not so long ago we had a minister for planning COUNCIL | Members Statements Energy who made quite a name himself; 13 June 2013 that was Mr Madden, according to my recollection, but I have no idea Legislation whatever happened to him — one day he was in here and then we never saw City of Amendment him again. He made quite a name for himself Wyndham: (Feed-In Tariffs by insulting his own constituents in places such as Caroline Springs and federal election And Other Tarneit by referring to homes of some Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — substance as ‘McMansions’. I am sure This house is no doubt aware that the Matters) Bill members of the house will remember city of Wyndham is the fastest growing that. municipality in Australia. Apart 2013 This is something that we as a from the area being a great place for Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) government have made a thing of the young families, I doubt that much — How appropriate it is that we past; we have made that very clear. thought has hitherto been given to debate this bill today, a day on which I am delighted to say that this is a why this growth is occurring at such we should celebrate the prophet report that also supports the premise a phenomenal rate. After extensive of climate change in this country, that people have a right to choose discussions with locals, many of them Professor Tim ‘Sandbags’ Flannery — what sort of house they live in. What new residents, I can now disclose the the man who told us it would never people can afford and what their key to the population explosion in this rain again. needs are should dictate what sort of part of Melbourne’s west. If you want to know how a bloke can house they live in. It should not be Thousands of people continue to get a part-time job earning $180 000 dictated by some bureaucrat or some move into Wyndham, drawn by the a year to get it so totally, 100 per minister sitting in Spring Street. prospect of voting against the local cent wrong on every occasion, then I am delighted to say that Mr federal member, Julia Gillard. People talk to Julia Gillard, because she is Guy has also taken that view, and elsewhere have to settle for voting the one who has done it. If anybody he supports the diversification of against some other Labor dud, but wants to know how wrong ‘Sandbags’ housing, not just in the outer suburbs residency in Werribee, Hoppers Flannery got it, then all they need but also in some of the older, more Crossing or Point Cook gives voters do is walk down Bourke Street. They established areas such as Footscray. the chance to kick the worst Prime will be drenched by the time they Minister in this nation’s history to the get to Exhibition Street. It is pelting We are seeing I think a rebirth of kerb. down today, it was pelting down Footscray as a result of Mr Guy’s yesterday and I understand it will be efforts, and I was down there just Men and women are moving from all over the state and beyond for the pelting down tomorrow. Gippsland is last Friday having a look around with about to go under water for the third Mr Elsbury; the Minister for Police chance to personally vote against the most incompetent, divisive, hate- time. That is what we have come to and Emergency Services, Mr Wells; expect from the professional green and a number of Victoria’s finest. filled leader Australia has ever had the misfortune to be afflicted with. Some fearmongers in this country; they There were a number of discussions come up with the greatest load of tosh and a number of comments made have decided to stay in the federal seat of Maribyrnong to give the man — I nearly said something else — that regarding the new developments that you have ever heard in your life. will transform Footscray from what it who put Ms Gillard in the Lodge his has been over a long period of time just desserts, but even so the flood of Mr Ondarchie — Tish? to a new and vibrant city — almost a humanity continues into Lalor. Mr FINN — It is tish, absolutely. It capital city of its own — in the inner The Minister for Police and all comes from some extraordinary west. That is almost entirely as a result Emergency Services, Kim Wells, must fear of carbon dioxide. of the efforts of Mr Guy, and I take give urgent consideration to providing I do not know what it is; it must be the opportunity whilst he is in the extra officers for this area on election something that happened in their chamber this evening to thank him eve. Crowd control will be a big issue childhoods or something. We heard for that. as we anticipate that thousands will from Mr Viney that he believes in the Talking about high-density and low- sleep outside polling booths in the science — or some of the science he density housing in the outer suburbs hope of being the very first to cast a believes and some he leaves right is very important, because while vote against their wretched member. alone. But he says that the science will some people can afford a substantial This will be nothing compared to the tell us that without carbon dioxide all building, there are others who of myriad street parties erupting if local the trees will die. If all the trees die, course cannot. They should be given voters are successful in their electoral what do these blokes have left to hug? the opportunity to buy a townhouse lynching — presumably using a blue We need the carbon dioxide to give or maybe a unit of some kind — tie! Ms Gillard is fond of saying she is these blokes something to wrap their something that is much smaller and not going anywhere. arms around and do whatever they appropriate to their needs. Those Come the second weekend in do to trees when I do not particularly who may not have a family just yet or September the people of Lalor will want to look. those who may be living on their own join millions of Australians in giving We have heard over a period of would be open to that diversification her a very different message. Bring it years now from the Labor Party in of housing. on. particular about the plight of working

IN 38 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE families and about how difficult it is writings to know that what I am saying of late would have to say that the for working families. Of course you is absolutely true. I say to members of railway station is a pretty impressive only hear from the Labor Party about this house and to those people in the sight heading down towards Werribee working families come election time community who might happen to pick or heading back from Werribee when they need the votes of working up the odd copy of Hansard at the towards the city. It is a result of the families. Once the election is over hairdresser and flick through it that attention of the Minister for Public what does the Labor Party do to they should be aware of the danger Transport, and it is something that working families? It slaps a carbon the Greens pose to families in this those in the local area can be very tax on them; it brings in more green state and this nation. This is just one pleased with. policies than you can poke a stick at. example of how the Greens and their This area has missed out for many Every time I get my electricity bill policies punish people for having years. I see that it has climbed to $800, families. The Point Cook area, as I have $900, $1000 or $1100. I have four I have no hesitation in saying that discussed in this house many times, children, and granted they do use a I believe the Greens are a threat to a was ignored and neglected by the fair bit of electricity, but these power civilised society and to civilisation as previous government. One has only bills are extraordinary and they are we know it. I do not believe they are in to visit there now and observe the hitting thousands and thousands of any way compatible with civilisation, clogged roads in particular to get an Victorians. A major contributing part and I say that without hesitation. idea of just how badly the people of these increasing power bills are These people are not on the same of Point Cook and surrounding the green policies that are coming planet as the rest of us, and if you areas were treated by the previous from Canberra and the green policies do not believe me, ask Bob Brown, government. It is good to see that the that were left over — indeed are left because he is certainly not on the Napthine coalition government is over — from the previous Labor same planet. The last I heard he was taking the problems of the western government in Victoria. I am very off in Tasmania talking to UFOs or suburbs seriously and is providing for hopeful that we will do something something, and I fear to think what Point Cook, areas around Williams about that as a government in the not- Mr Barber might get up to after dark. Landing and a whole range of new too-distant future. I would like to go into the debate developments and suburbs around Labor Party members pretend to be on man-made climate change, as the city of Wyndham growth corridor. concerned about working families. It Mr Viney has invited us to do, at far It is encouraging for everybody who is all political for them. They do not greater length. Unfortunately on this lives there, and those of us who care about working families; they occasion my time has come to an represent that area no longer feel that never have and they never will. It is end, but I welcome each and every we are knocking our heads against a all about getting into power and then opportunity I get and hope that next brick wall asking for these services. doing whatever it takes to stay in time I will have a lot longer to debate There is one area, however, that power. You only have to look at that this particular matter. appears to have missed out, and it is lunatic up there in Canberra at the Mr Ondarchie — You’ve still got 8 the subject of my adjournment matter moment and what she is up to. She minutes. this evening. That area is Sanctuary would do just about anything to stay Mr FINN — No, I have been told Lakes, an area that I quite like. in power, and I think as time goes on by the whip that, if I do not behave The housing there is of a very high she will do anything. myself, he will cut me off at my knees, standard. It is home to a wide variety Mr Scheffer — On a point of order, and that would not be a good thing. I of people, many of whom I would call Acting President, I ask the member very warmly welcome any debate the friends. to withdraw his description of the opposition or the Greens might want I believe they are in need of a bus person who I assume to be the Prime to have on the myth that is man-made service, which to this point has been Minister. climate change. The government will denied to them. I ask the minister to The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr oppose the Greens amendments. I reinstate the bus service to Sanctuary Elasmar) — Order! I ask Mr Finn to support this bill and sincerely hope Lakes. I believe it is necessary. At show some respect. the house gives it a speedy passage. the moment there is a bus service to Mr FINN — The Labor Party has Sanctuary Lakes shopping centre, made it very clear that its concern for COUNCIL | Adjournment but the shopping centre is actually in working families is purely political. 13 June 2013 Point Cook. The bus does not go near Once the election is over they will or into Sanctuary Lakes itself, so the not care. But that is one thing you people of Sanctuary Lakes miss out. I cannot say about the Greens. At least ask the minister to take this on board they are honest. They do not give a Buses: Sanctuary and give the people of Sanctuary stuff about working families and they Lakes a fair go on this matter. never have. They do not like working Lakes Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) families. They do not like any families. COUNCIL | Adjournment (Reply) — I wish to raise a matter for the They do not like kids and they do not 13 June 2013 like people procreating. They see the attention of the Minister for Public increase in electricity prices as a tax Transport, and in doing so I would on procreation, and that is the truth, like to thank the minister for the because they see children as an attack many new bus services that have been Mental health: on the environment and an attack on provided over the last month or so their future. in and around Point Cook, Laverton women’s facilities You just have to read some of the and Williams Landing in conjunction Raised with the Minister for Mental stuff that comes from the Greens and with the opening of the new Williams Health on 16 April 2013 some of their more extraordinary Landing railway station. Those who REPLY: have travelled down Princes Highway The Victorian government has

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 39 committed to making the safety, COUNCIL | Members Statements COUNCIL | Statements on Reports comfort and security of women 26 June 2013 26 June 2013 in mental health care a priority. To ensure that women have safer facilities, the government allocated $4 million in capital funding in the 2011- Mrs Donna Public Accounts 12 state budget fulfilling our election commitment to improve conditions Petrovich and Estimates for women in psychiatric facilities. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — As I travelled down the Tullamarine Women can feel vulnerable in Freeway in the direction of Parliament Committee: mixed gender inpatient mental health House yesterday, I did so with very services. Ensuring that services are mixed emotions. It saddens me Effective sensitive to women’s needs and their greatly that this is the last week I will safety is important for the Victorian share these benches with my friend decision making government. Women have the right to and colleague Donna Petrovich. On receive mental health treatment and the other hand, I am mightily excited for successful care, free from fear of victimisation, that Mrs Petrovich will soon be my violence, sexual assault and local member in the commonwealth delivery of retraumatisation. Parliament. I am perhaps even more In 2011-12, more than $2.5 million excited that Mrs Petrovich will be part significant was made available for 13 capital of a team that will restore respect to projects to 11 inpatient mental our system, the Parliament and the infrastructure health services to improve the safety office of Prime Minister, a team that and comfort of female consumers. will restore dignity and competence projects Projects included: creating women- to our national government. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I rise this evening to say a few words only bedroom corridor wings; It is comforting to know Mrs installation of nurse call buzzers on the government’s response to the Petrovich will not be sitting amid a recommendations of the 112th report in bedrooms and bathroom; and rabble who hate each other more than developing female-only lounge to the Parliament from the Public words can say. She will not be sitting Accounts and Estimates Committee rooms, quiet rooms, bathrooms and behind a Prime Minister who regards toilet areas. (PAEC) on its inquiry into effective pitting Australian against Australian decision making for the successful The Victorian government recently as some sort of great achievement invited submissions from Victorian delivery of significant infrastructure and derides Australians if they projects, dated December 2012. mental health inpatient services for happen to be male and wear a blue the second round of funding. I particularly refer to the first tie, a Prime Minister who has turned recommendation of the response: At the launch of the Victorian knitting into a national joke, even as government’s Gender Sensitive she crochets the name ‘Kevin Rudd’ … government establish a new training module at the Alfred hospital, into a stuffed kangaroo, which is not advisory body, the Victorian Infrastructure Council, with the I was pleased to announce $1.6 surprising. After all, does she not stuff roles and responsibilities set out in million of capital funding in 2012-13 everything? Mrs Petrovich is set to be section 2.2.1 of this report. for 34 projects at 11 health services in a team that will make Australians Whilst that recommendation under the Safety of women in mental proud again. She is one of the adults has not been supported by the health inpatient care initiative. who will again soon be in charge of our nation. government, the government In the Western Metropolitan responded as follows: Region, Mercy Health (Werribee) As I said earlier, I will miss received $259 000 to install locks my neighbour in the upstairs … the government agrees with corridor, but I know she will be a PAEC that further action is required on bedroom doors. This will afford to improve skills and capability women and men improved safety wonderful member of the House of in infrastructure delivery across (both day and night), and create a Representatives. Donna Petrovich the Victorian public sector. To this women’s courtyard and sensory room goes to the Parliament of Australia end, the government will establish in the low dependency area. with my very best wishes and my an expert advisory panel to Additionally, Melbourne Health will active support — and, of course, she provide advice to the government receive $319 989 for five projects, of has my vote. Spring Street’s loss will on public sector capability, which $134 302 will create a women’s very much be Canberra’s gain. training needs and issues in major project and infrastructure wing and lounge area at Sunshine delivery. This includes providing Hospital Adult Acute Inpatient advice on skills and capabilities Service, as well as a women’s-only required to deliver major projects, corridor, sitting area and garden monitoring Victoria’s public sector courtyard at Sunshine Hospital Aged infrastructure capability and skills, Acute Service. identifying emerging issues and opportunities for improvement. The panel will also promote best practice for infrastructure delivery across the public sector and periodically review infrastructure guidelines and practices. The expert advisory panel will report to the Treasurer with DTF providing secretariat support.

IN 40 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE The government considers that the Labor Party, because it will screw the member for his point of order. I establishing an expert advisory them up for you every time; it always concur essentially in my decision with panel will better position does. If you want something stuffed the remarks of Mr Hall. Ministers are government and its delivery up, give it to the Labor Party; on that it in a position to provide some advice agencies to appropriately identify, will not let you down. to the house on process and the access and develop the skills needed to support the successful current status of certain agreements, delivery of major infrastructure COUNCIL | Questions without Notice including in this case obviously the projects. 27 June 2013 EBA agreement, but I would think that These are important points to make ministers would not necessarily be in because, with regard to the delivery a position to go into matters of detail of any project and particularly in some cases because they may not significant infrastructure projects, Paramedics: be the negotiating party. Invariably we are talking about large sums of they are not the negotiating party, public money — money that is not enterprise so they might not be able to go to ours. It is not the Parliament’s money matters of detail. nor is it the Treasury’s; in fact, it is the bargaining There may well be some Victorian taxpayers money, and that Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) confidentiality associated with those is something we must keep in mind at — My question without notice is agreements. As we know, as part of all times. directed to the Minister for Health, the process those agreements need to and I ask: will the minister update go before the Fair Work Commission Whilst reading the report and the house on matters related to the the government response to the before they are ratified. It is certainly paramedics enterprise bargaining in line for a minister to provide a report, it surprised me a little that agreement (EBA)? one recommendation that seemed status report or to indicate process, obvious to me was not made — that is, Hon. D. M. DAVIS (Minister for but I accept the point of order in the if you want decision making and the Health) — I am very happy to provide sense that it is most unlikely that a delivery of significant infrastructure the house and Mr Finn with an update minister would ever wish to go into projects to be handled properly, the on the paramedic EBA. Obviously the detail of those matters because first recommendation should be: do EBA negotiations — — they may well not be informed of not give it to the Labor Party. Do not Mr Lenders — On a point of order, that detail at the time, or it could be let the Labor Party anywhere near it, President, I seek your guidance. When covered by the confidentiality of those because it has shown time and again I have asked the Minister responsible negotiations. that it has not got a clue. for the Teaching Profession about EBA Hon. D. M. DAVIS — I thank the The Labor Party in this state and in matters the house has been assured President for his ruling. I will provide this nation stands for incompetence, that it is illegal to speak of the EBA the house with an update on the EBA and it shows that time and again. matters in this house. President, I progress. Ambulance Victoria, which It does not matter whether it is the seek your guidance as this is a serious runs our ambulance service in this desalination plant — it blew billions matter. state, is prepared to negotiate with of dollars on a desal plant which we I have been advised by a minister the ambulance union, and indeed do not need. Labor Party members that it is illegal to speak on EBA an offer has been made of voluntary listened to Sandbags Flannery who matters that are live. The point of conciliation. That is a very sensible said it would never rain again, so they order I raise is: how can the Minister offer. It is the mechanism that was put in a huge desal plant. Of course, for Health speak of an EBA when the used to resolve the doctors EBA when it did rain the desal plant Minister responsible for the Teaching arrangements. flooded because it had been built on Profession said that it is illegal to do It was a negotiation conducted a flood plain, which in itself is quite so? at Fair Work with an independent extraordinary. Hon. D. M. DAVIS — On the point umpire, behind closed doors, where Then we got EastLink. Who could of order, President, it is clearly not every party could put on the table the forget former Premier Bracks saying something beyond the capacity of matters they wanted to put on the at the time that there would be no a minister in this house to refer to table and have those discussed in a tolls, that it would be on time and matters concerning a live EBA, but it sensible way. That is the offer that has that it would be on budget? That was may be the case that there are certain been made to the ambulance union before the election of 2002. Shortly aspects that would not be referred to. by Ambulance Victoria, and I support thereafter — in fact, on my birthday I will make that point, if MrLenders that offer. It is a very sensible and — in 2003, he announced there could wait a moment, and I will reasonable way to go. would be tolls on EastLink, and the explain the exact distinction for him. As Mr Hall said, I am not going to people of the eastern suburbs are still Hon. P. R. Hall — On the point of go to the precise details of every part paying for that. I could go on to myki, order, President, it was suggested of the EBA. However, I am going to and if you want to go to the federal by the member making the point of say that, as a matter of principle, I am government, we can talk about pink order that I had put a position to the encouraging Ambulance Victoria to batts. Who gave us the pink batts? house that I was never able to speak look at some parts of the current EBA Who gave us that debacle? It was the about EBAs. Quite clearly what I have arrangements and to not replicate former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, said is that I was not in a position to them. who quite frankly will probably be the be able to speak about the detail of In the 2009 agreement clause 67 next Prime Minister within the next the EBA, but I constantly advised the headed ‘Release of elected AEA-V hour or so. It does not matter whether house on process regarding EBAs. It is representative to perform union you go to Spring Street, to Canberra, absolutely proper and in order for the functions’ it states at 67.1: to Sydney or wherever you go; if you minister to advise on process. Subject to operational want incompetence and if you want The PRESIDENT — Order! I thank requirements and prior notice an things stuffed up, you give them to elected AEA-V representative will

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 41 be released from duty for such they open up opportunities for about ambulance resources. The periods of paid time as may be other members of the house to government has a historic package in reasonably necessary … ask questions on matters relating place to lift the number of ambulance Mr Lenders — On a point of order, to the same area. If the minister is officers in this state, going up 340 President, and on the point of order to continue in terms of discussing in total — 210 paramedics in the I have raised before about ministers specific clauses that might be part of country, 30 patient transport officers going to the detail of an agreement in the current negotiations, then the rest and 100 paramedics in the city; 340 is question time, the minister has now of the agreement is open to question. the biggest increase of officers in the quoted, and I am paraphrasing, clause Hon. D. M. DAVIS — The policy history of the ambulance service. It is 67.1. If starting to read a clause is not point that I am seeking to make a $151 million package — — the detail of an enterprise bargaining here relates to the decision under Mr Jennings — What is the net agreement, then I am puzzled. the previous EBA, the EBA that is increase? The guidance I seek from you, currently a public document, to Hon. D. M. DAVIS — We are doing President, is that if this minister can second ambulance employees — extremely well, Mr Jennings. We go to clause 67.1 of an agreement, highly qualified paramedics — to are going forward, and I can tell Mr does that give me the liberty next time the union. I am going to suggest Jennings that we are getting there. It an EBA comes out to go to that level to Ambulance Victoria that as part is the biggest increase in the number — not just a clause but a subclause — of the EBA negotiations it seeks to of highly qualified paramedics in in asking questions of a minister? bring those employees back and put the service’s history. But what we do Hon. D. M. DAVIS — On the point them on the road. They will have the not want to see is our paramedics of order, President, this is a public opportunity — — diverted to union activities at the document that I am quoting from. It is Mr Jennings — On a point of order, union offices. What we do not want an EBA that is currently — — President, I seek your guidance, to see is union officials who are Mr Jennings — And you are because clearly the minister is paramedics being taken off the road negotiating it! taking the opportunity provided and out of their ambulances and put Hon. D. M. DAVIS — It was signed to him by this question to provide behind desks. Fewer desk jockeys by Mr Jennings’s government. I the negotiating points that the is my policy position, and more am going to indicate some policy government is putting to Ambulance paramedics on the road. I am going questions on which I think the Victoria to then negotiate with the to suggest to Ambulance Victoria that government can have a legitimate ambulance union. If I intend to ask as part of its negotiations it reviews viewpoint. questions about the interests of clause 67 — — paramedics and the interests of the The PRESIDENT — Order! The The PRESIDENT — Order! Thank ambulance union in future in relation point of order raised by the Leader you, Minister. to this EBA, would my question be of the Opposition in the context of ruled in order or out of order given the previous point of order is an this precedent? COUNCIL | Adjournment important one. I was surprised when 27 June 2013 the minister went to discussing a The PRESIDENT — Order! Arguably particular clause, notwithstanding it is not a point of order as such, it is in the EBA that is currently in but it does seek clarification. My place. The minister is saying he is previous response to Mr Lenders is Volunteer West: recommending particular clauses the answer to Mr Jennings seeking to Ambulance Victoria, and he has that point of clarification. I would funding certainly raised at this point that make the distinction, of course, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) clause 67 ought be part of those that the minister is not negotiating — I wish to raise a matter on the negotiations, and the government’s himself and the government is not adjournment this evening for the view would be that the particular negotiating itself with the ambulance Minister for Community Services, clause ought not be continued in union. In fact Ambulance Victoria Mary Wooldridge. I am sure we would a new agreement. The minister is is a designated body, and that is all agree that without volunteers our referring to an existing agreement the negotiating team for that. There society would cease to exist. Certainly rather than to the forthcoming one. is a bit of a distinction in that; it in the western suburbs there is no may or may not take on board the exception to that rule. Recently I had However, I think the minister is minister’s suggestions in terms of a meeting with an organisation called in very dangerous territory. I would policy parameters. Ultimately, the Volunteer West, which is committed argue that if he is prepared to raise a agreement, if Ambulance Victoria to supporting community groups in negotiating point on clause 67, then reaches an agreement, will come back the western region of Melbourne. clauses 1 to 66 are now fair game as to the government for a tick off before The organisation provides training are any subsequent clauses. it goes to the Fair Work Commission on a variety of topics at low cost The minister is now moving into an for a final tick off, so the government designed to assist organisations to area where I would allow questions does have a role in the process, but effectively manage all aspects of on matters of detail because this at this point it is not the negotiating their volunteering programs and is a negotiating point within the party. As I said, if the minister is reach their full potential. It is a very agreement, and it goes to detail and talking about those negotiations, or good organisation that provides a well beyond the areas that Mr Hall aspects of those negotiations, then worthwhile service, including, for canvassed when he was talking about it is valid that other questions might example, a number of workshops. the EBA for which he is responsible. well be posed on that matter. One workshop allows participants As I have said previously to Hon. D. M. DAVIS — Let me be to examine in detail the steps ministers, if they take questions in quite clear: I will not be involved in involved in successfully recruiting some areas selectively, particularly the micro negotiations, but I think it is volunteers, including considerations if they are Dorothy Dixers, then entirely proper of me to be concerned before recruitment, developing a

IN 42 FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 FINN THE HOUSE recruitment time line, choosing the and diversifying a volunteer ensure that the organisation not only target audience, attracting volunteers program to include recruiting and continues but grows and thrives so and creating effective promotional managing volunteers in the area of it can provide the sort of service that materials. In this instance participants culturally and linguistically diverse will make the western suburbs of also receive various templates that backgrounds. Melbourne an even better area than allow them to implement knowledge As we can see, Volunteer West they are. I ask the minister to give this gained at the workshop in their has quite an impressive program. matter her urgent consideration. This particular area. Unfortunately it does not have a organisation does a great job, and I Volunteer West also involves itself in very impressive resource base. That believe it is deserving of our support. areas such as volunteer management is the reason I raise this matter essentials, planning and designing for the minister this evening. I a volunteer program, volunteer ask the minister to facilitate with screening and matching, volunteer her department a meeting with orientation and training, volunteer Volunteer West to examine the needs supervision and support, volunteer of this organisation with a view to recognition, volunteer evaluation providing the support necessary to

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2013 - JUNE 2013 43 FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches February to June 2013

Published by Bernie Finn MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Acting President of the Legislative Council Chairman, Joint Parliamentary Electoral Matters Committee

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