I thank the Member for Wendouree for her question and for her commitment to her local Ballarat community.

We need to talk about lived experience. We need to amplify and hear the voices of lived experience.

Congratulations to the Ballarat city brass band on a successful year. Well done to president Troy Cheesman, the executive and the committee.

This week marks just two years since the last state election and six years of being an MP, a job that I absolutely love. I am so proud to represent my community and never take for granted what a privilege it is to be the member for Wendouree.

I am delighted to rise to talk about the Environment and Planning Committee report. Securing the Victorian food supply is an existential issue for our state now and into the future. As Victoria’s population continues to grow, the impact of urban sprawl in Melbourne and regional cities like mine in Ballarat is impacting our food producers and our farming industry.

My question is for the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. How has the Allan Labor government’s support for AFL matches at Mars Stadium benefited the Ballarat community?

I was delighted to recently visit Forest Street Primary School in Wendouree to celebrate the opening of the $6.3 million upgrade to block A, which is known as the foundation, 1 and 2 and admin wing. The building has new classrooms, new admin space and a beautiful new library that is flooded with light.

Remembrance Day was observed across Ballarat by solemn and moving ceremonies. At the Arch of Victory service, president Garry Snowden shared stories of Ballarat fathers who left behind young families when answering the call and, sadly, never returned home.

I too am pleased to be able to stand before the house today to speak in support of the Aged Care Restrictive Practices Substitute Decision-maker Bill 2024, which will introduce clear guidelines for who has decision-making power regarding the use of restrictive practices.

I want to thank the Member for her tireless advocacy for the health of her local community – including for the women and girls in her electorate. I know the member is keenly interested in making sure that women across Victoria have access to the healthcare they need.

Congratulations to the Ballarat Life Activities Club on their world record attempt for the largest exercise class of people aged over 60. On a sunny morning on Tuesday 22 ‍October at Lake Wendouree nearly 100 seniors from across Ballarat and beyond took up the challenge to get themselves into the Guinness book of world records.

To my many friends and members of the Ballarat Indian community, happy Diwali.

I am very pleased to provide a report from the Environment and Planning Committee on our inquiry into employers and contractors who refuse to pay their subcontractors for completed works, following the government response to our inquiry being provided just last sitting week.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Education and Training Reform Amendment Bill 2024, which will improve how Victorian schools are regulated and run.

My constituency question is for the Minister for Health. How will the Allan Labor government’s $655 million investment to expand and redevelop Ballarat Base Hospital benefit constituents living in the electorate of Wendouree?

Today I rise to speak in support of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Pill Testing) Bill 2024 and really do genuinely welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important debate for our state.

Sebastopol is a proud suburb of Ballarat with a rich history and a strong community. That is why the Allan Labor government is investing to make it an even better place to live.

My constituency question is for the Minister for Health, and the question I ask is: how will women living in the electorate of Wendouree benefit from the Allan Labor government’s investment in women’s health clinics?