Parliamentary Speeches & Responses

State Taxation Acts Amendment Bill 2023 – Second Reading Debate

I want to thank the Treasurer and his ministerial office for the work that they have been doing to bring in this bill, which is to amend the Duties Act 2000, the Fire Services Property Levy Act 2012, the Land Tax Act 2005, the Payroll Tax Act 2007, the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Subdivision Act 1988, the Taxation Administration Act 1997 and the Valuation of Land Act 1960 and for other purposes.

Sebastopol Primary School – Member Statement

Happy 150th to Sebastopol Primary School. Congratulations to everyone involved in organising events over the weekend, celebrating 150 years of public education in Sebastopol.

Investing in Women’s Health and Wellbeing – Ministerial Response

Thank you for your question, Ms Addison, and for your commitment to Victorian women. The Victorian Government is deeply committed to gender equality, in all its forms, and has demonstrated this commitment by investing in and prioritising women’s health and wellbeing, economic equity, leadership and representation, and safety.

The Ballarat International Foto Biennale – Adjournment Matter

I direct my adjournment matter to the Minister for Creative Industries, and the action I seek is for him to visit my electorate of Wendouree to meet with the Ballarat International Foto Biennale CEO Vanessa Gerrans and board members to discuss the upcoming 2023 biennale, which will be held from 26 August to 22 October this year.

Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2023 – Second Reading Debate

As many people know, I am a big fan of racing. I am a member of the Ballarat Turf Club and I am a member of the Ballarat & District Trotting Club, and I am pleased to be supporting this Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2023 that will provide certainty for the Victorian racing industry.

Disability and Social Services Regulation Amendment Bill 2023 – Second Reading Debate

I too am honoured to contribute to this debate in support of the Disability and Social Services Regulation Amendment Bill 2023. It is great to follow on from the member for Eltham, who showed her real passion for disability – those dances sound terrific. Likewise with the member for Mordialloc – another excellent contribution from him, which is always most welcome.

Laurel Donaldson – Member Statement

Congratulations to Alfredton Primary School principal Laurel Donaldson on celebrating 40 years in education. Over Laurel’s four decades of teaching and school leadership she has had a positive influence on the lives of thousands of students and their families across Ballarat and the district.

Felicity Driscoll – Member Statement

Well done to Alfredton Primary School student Felicity Driscoll on winning her campaign for a new footpath to her school and local sporting facilities on Windsor Avenue. Felicity is just seven years old and has secured a funding commitment from the City of Ballarat for the footpath.

Wendouree Electorate – Constituency Question

My question is for the Minister for Housing, about the progress of the number of big build projects that are underway in my electorate of Wendouree. I am so proud we are delivering more social and affordable housing in my community and creating jobs in the building industry.

Wendouree Electorate Veterans – Ministerial Response

I thank the Member for Wendouree for raising the matter of the veteran community in Ballarat. I acknowledge that the Member highlighted the positive and important work of veteran organisations within her electorate, which provide support not just to veterans, but also to their families and communities.

Ballarat Keralites Foundation of Australia – Member Statement

Congratulations to the Ballarat Keralites Foundation of Australia for their Taste of India fundraiser on Sunday night as part of Harmony Fest. More than 500 meals were cooked, with all funds raised being donated to the Ballarat soup bus to support people experiencing homelessness in our community.

Charlie Howkins and Jack Brownlee – Member Statement

Yesterday marked five years since the devastating trench collapse in Delacombe that killed Charlie Howkins and Jack Brownlee. There are not enough words to thank Jack’s parents Janine and Dave Brownlee and Charlie’s wife Lana Cormie for their extraordinary courage, determination and advocacy, which resulted in the introduction of Victoria’s landmark workplace manslaughter laws.

Wendouree Electorate Veterans – Adjournment Matter

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Veterans, and the action that I seek is for the minister to visit Ballarat to meet with representatives of veterans organisations in my community and visit significant memorials to the fallen and to those who have served in my electorate of Wendouree.