Parliamentary Speeches & Responses

Treat Authority and Other Treaty Elements Bill 2022 – Second Reading Debate

I am honoured today to speak in support of the Treaty Authority and Other Treaty Elements Bill 2022 and to be one of the very last speakers on this very historic day. I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which the Parliament is built, the Wurundjeri people, pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging and extend those respects to the Aboriginal people who are here with us today and those who were with us earlier.

Wendouree Electorate – Constituency Question

My constituency question is for the Minister for Health. Will the minister please advise how the $6.5 million investment for robot-assisted surgery to be delivered at Grampians Health services’ Ballarat Base Hospital will improve outcomes and reduce recovery times for regional patients?

Program – Business of the House

I am pleased also to rise to speak in favour of the government business program, following on from the Leader of the House and the member for Mount Waverley.

Wendouree Electorate Funding – Member Statement

The Andrews Labor government is backing Ballarat as a great place to play, live, learn and work, with many wins for Wendouree. Our government is investing in our city and our community.

Wendouree Electorate – Constituency Question

My question is for the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence. Will the minister please advise me how the Central Highlands Orange Door in Ballarat is supporting women and children in my community and the broader region?

Energy Policy – Adjournment Matter

I direct my adjournment to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change. The action I seek is for her to provide me with an update on how the Victorian government is continuing to support Victorians who are paying more for power than they should.

Summary Offences Amendment (Nazi Symbol Prohibition) Bill 2022 – Second Reading Debate

Thank you very much, Acting Speaker, and it is lovely to see you in the Chair today. Like so many people here in this house today I stand to support the Summary Offences Amendment (Nazi Symbol Prohibition) Bill 2022, which will prohibit the intentional display of the Hakenkreuz, also known as the Nazi swastika, in a public place knowing that it supports Nazi ideology.

Appropriation (2022–2023) Bill 2022 – Second Reading Debate

Hello. I am going to bring the energy up a bit in this chamber and talk about what a great budget the Victorian budget is, because there is so much to celebrate in this budget. This is a great state budget for Ballarat, it is a great state budget for regional Victoria and it is a great state budget for all Victorians.

Wendouree Electorate – Constituency Question

My question is for the Minister for Workplace Safety in the other place. Will the minister please advise how the Victorian sick pay guarantee pilot scheme for eligible casual and contract workers will benefit workers, businesses and families in my electorate of Wendouree?

Inquiry into Commonwealth Support for Victoria – Economy and Infrastructure Committee

I am very pleased to again speak on the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee report on the inquiry into commonwealth support for Victoria. We considered various issues associated with the inadequacy of commonwealth support for Victoria, including but not limited to Victoria’s share of federal GST funding and the expiration of the no-worse-off GST guarantee.

Petstock – Member’s Statement

I wish to congratulate PETstock on the opening of its 200th store in Ballarat, 31 years after opening the family’s first retail store on La Trobe Street, Delacombe. PETstock is a 100 per cent proudly Australian family owned and operated company founded in Ballarat by the Young family and built on humble beginnings in regional Victoria.

Wendouree Electorate Fishing and Boating – Adjournment Matter

I direct my adjournment matter to the Minister for Fishing and Boating. The action I seek from the minister is to provide me with an update on the Victorian government’s investment in fishing and boating and how this is benefiting recreational fishing in Victoria.

Wendouree Electorate – Constituency Question

My question is for the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. Will the minister please advise how hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games will benefit Ballarat and regional Victoria?