I thank the Member, for their continued support and advocacy for affordable, safe and secure housing for her local community, and I look forward to working with Ms Addison MP to maximise the benefits of the Big Housing Build across the Wendouree region.

am very pleased to rise to contribute to the debate today in support of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Authorising Pharmacists) Bill 2023.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the biggest women’s sporting event in the world, and last week we welcomed the trophy to Wendouree. The 2023 tournament will be the first time the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources and Minister for the State Electricity Commission. I deliberately refer to all of the minister’s portfolios, because the action I seek is for the minister to visit my electorate of Wendouree to meet with relevant stakeholders and local organisations about how the Andrews Labor government is supporting households with their energy bills, bringing back the SEC, accelerating clean energy investment in Victoria’s economy and reducing emissions.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

I thank the Member for her commitment to her constituents and for her ongoing support in our mission to provide more homes for more Victorians.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I thank the Member for Wendouree for her question about how the Andrews Labor Government is improving mental health services and supporting consumers and their families, carers and supporters in her electorate.

I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to talk about how the Andrews Labor government is delivering cheaper fares, not only for regional Victorians but for all Victorians.

This bill will save lives. It will change outcomes. This bill will prevent deaths and it will change conversations.