I rise to speak on the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee report on the inquiry into commonwealth support for Victoria. This is the second time I have spoken on this committee report, and I am sure there will be a third time as well because there are so many important things to discuss about Victoria’s future and how we are getting done over by the federal government.

The Andrews Labor Government is serving up more jobs supporting hospitality venues and tourism in regional Victoria. Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today announced a $6 million initiative which will provide 240 jobseekers with hospitality and tourism traineeships to help address workforce shortages across the state.

I thank the Member for Wendouree for her question about the Regional Infrastructure Fund Round Two and am pleased to hear that her electorate is benefiting from previous Regional Infrastructure Fund investments.

Ballarat and Grampians patients will have better treatment closer to home for cancer therapy, surgery and mental health as part of the major expansion of health care announced in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.

Ballarat is very proud of our veterans, and a number of Anzac services were held across Ballarat, including the dawn service, the Arch of Victory, the Ex- Prisoners of War Memorial, the Sebastopol RSL parade and service and the Ballarat RSL parade and service at the Cenotaph.

My question is for the Minister for Employment in the other place. Will the minister please provide me with an update on how Jobs Victoria programs are supporting my local jobseekers to find employment and supporting local businesses to fill roles in the Ballarat community?

The Andrews Labor Government is creating better sporting facilities as well as upgrading an RSL hall and a community garden in a bid to revitalise the town of Sebastopol. Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today joined members from the Community Reference Group at MR Power Park in western Victoria to inspect works on the new facilities, backed by more than $1 million funding from the Labor Government’s Spotlight on Sebastopol program.

Women aspiring to become a local councillor are being encouraged to apply for a new program as the Andrews Labor Government continues the push for gender equity in the local government sector.

The Andrews Labor Government will provide fresh and healthy food with the new Ballarat Foodbank Hub, ensuring food relief gets to the people who need it most.  

The Andrews Labor Government has stocked Victorian waterways, including in the Ballarat region, with a record 10 million fish over the past year, setting a new nationwide record.

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a major boost for local jobs in Ballarat with recruitment underway for skilled manufacturing, procurement, testing, and factory fit-out roles as part of the X’Trapolis 2.0 train build.

I was sorry to hear about the devastating fire at Reid’s Guesthouse in Ballarat resulting in its temporary closure and the displacement of 50 guests. I appreciate the hard work by all involved in securing alternative accommodation for these people. 

Encouraging young Victorians to pursue a career in the civil construction industry, the Andrews Labor Government’s regional road maintenance blitz is making a significant investment into supporting apprentices across the state.

I thank the Member for Wendouree for her question and commend her on her continued advocacy for community sport in her local community.

With Ballarat officially announced as one of four regional hubs for Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Andrews Labor Government is getting on with plans to deliver this global sporting event.