Thursday, 1 September 2022

Responses

Ms BLANDTHORN (Pascoe Vale—Leader of the House, Minister for Planning) (17:22): The member for Murray Plains raised a matter for the Minister for Government Services regarding the opening hours of government departments in regional towns. I know it is an issue he takes very seriously, and I am sure he will be pleased to follow it up and make sure that they are open and accessible in an appropriate way for the community.

The member for Frankston raised a matter for the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence regarding the task force office opening in Frankston. This is an important service that has a number of offices, and I know he is particularly looking forward to it opening in his community and providing the alcohol and drug treatment services, the drink and drug driving services and many others.

The member for Ripon raised a matter for the Premier regarding 48 questions. I note that she has not got the good grace to stay in the chamber for my response to that. She did raise some questions regarding both me and my brother, and I would just like to say at the outset that I take very seriously the oath I took on my own Bible in this place and that matters of integrity are of the upmost importance to me. And I know that my brother is a person of absolute integrity as well. The continual assertions by others that I as a female minister am incapable of managing my professional obligations, as I think was said in another context today, is deeply regressive, offensive and completely incorrect, and I do note that she did not stay for the response.

The member for Melton raised a matter for the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers and asked that he visit the Bacchus Marsh Men’s Shed, and I am sure he would be pleased to do so. These are great facilities across many of our communities, and I know that the minister would be pleased to attend.

The member for Gembrook raised a matter for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety regarding the intersection of Coniston Avenue and the Princes Highway in Berwick, and in particular he raised some serious road safety issues that have happened there that have led to the loss of life. On behalf of the government I pass condolences on to anyone in that terrible and tragic situation, and I am sure the minister would be happy to engage with you regarding those road safety issues.

The member for St Albans, who is a great advocate for her community, raised a matter for the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers regarding the St Albans senior citizens group and her desire for the minister to attend there with her. I know personally that the member for St Albans is a great advocate for not only seniors groups within her community but multicultural groups within her community, and I am sure the minister would be pleased to attend.

The member for Prahran raised a matter for the minister for community services in regard to protecting renters. As he said, and I know he is a great advocate for—

The SPEAKER: Minister, I think it was consumer affairs.

Ms BLANDTHORN: Sorry, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation; you are right. It was regarding the protections for renters and that everybody has the right to a place to call home. I know he is a great advocate, and I certainly know through his work on the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee he is very interested in pursuing housing matters. I am sure the minister will be happy to work with him on that.

The member for Bentleigh raised a matter for the Minister for Education regarding a visit to the Cheltenham Secondary College regarding their capital works. I noted that the member for Bentleigh is welcoming this school into his redistributed boundaries. If his work with the McKinnon Secondary College is anything to go by, I think they will be very lucky to find themselves in that electorate.

The member for Eildon raised a matter for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety also, regarding the Melba Highway and in particular the condition of the road around Yarra Glen to Yea and beyond. In my fitter days I could run that stretch of road in the various runs that they did, and I can attest that there are some parts that are smoother than others, but I am sure the minister would be happy to work with you on those issues.

The member for Hawthorn also raised a matter for the Minister for Education regarding converting green play space at the Camberwell Primary School and improving opportunities for students and young people alike, as well as the community, to make the most of those spaces within the community; I am sure the Minister for Education would be happy to attend with the member for Hawthorn.

The SPEAKER: The house now stands adjourned.

House adjourned 5.27 pm until Tuesday, 13 September.