Wednesday, 3 May 2023

Ministers statements: Victoria’s Big Build

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery) (14:47): The Andrews Labor government –

Members interjecting.

Jacinta ALLAN: Hang on – just wait. I know it has been a good day for the National Party when you look like the grown-ups in the room. I know it has been a very good day for you.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! I feel like I am on repeat today. Deputy Premier, through the Chair.

Jacinta ALLAN: And without assistance from the National Party, Speaker.

The Andrews Labor government’s Big Build is not only investing in the vital transport connections our city and state need, it is not only supporting tens of thousands of jobs on construction sites and throughout the supply chain, it is also providing young Victorians the opportunity to get the training they need to go on and get a job on one of our many, many terrific projects. Recently we were at the Victorian Tunnelling Centre of excellence at Holmesglen TAFE, where in an Australian first virtual training will be used to give workers on the North East Link hands-on experience operating and staying safe below ground, supporting our skilled workforce – and a safe workforce as well. Building up our workforce is a vital part of our work. As we have a pipeline of tunnels, we also need a pipeline of workers and a pipeline of jobs and careers for young Victorians.

Another terrific example: in another Victorian first girls studying science, technology, engineering and maths subjects –

John Pesutto interjected.

The SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition!

Jacinta ALLAN: He just cannot help himself, can he, Speaker, when it comes to talking over women. He just cannot help himself.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Members on my right will come to order. The member for Ringwood can leave the chamber for 1 hour.

Member for Ringwood withdrew from chamber.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, personal imputations are clearly out of order, and I would ask you to ask the minister to return back to her statement.

The SPEAKER: I ask the minister to come back to her ministers statement.

Jacinta ALLAN: I was wanting to talk about girls in years 11 and 12 who are getting a chance to go and get a job on the Suburban Rail Loop. That is what I was wanting to talk about before the Leader of the Opposition decided to continue with whatever performance art he is confecting here in the house today. This program will give these girls hands-on experience, training and on-the-job experience to come and work on projects like the Suburban Rail Loop – a project that only exists because the Andrews Labor government is determined to get on and deliver vital projects like these for Victorians.

The SPEAKER: Order! The house will now move to constituency questions.

Roma Britnell: On a point of order, Speaker, I have several unanswered questions: question 113 to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety due on 23 March 2023, question 210 to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety due on 7 April 2023, question 209 to the Minister for Planning due on 7 April 2023, question 70 to the Minister for Housing due on 8 April 2023 and question 90 to the Minister for Housing due on 21 April 2023. If those ministers could take the time to give my constituents an answer, it would be greatly appreciated.

Tim Bull: On a point of order, Speaker, I too have some overdue questions. I have 36 in total. I will not read through them all. I am attempting to get to the Warrnambool racing carnival this arvo –

The SPEAKER: Member for Gippsland East, you can pass the list to the Clerk.

Tim Bull: so I will not be reading them all out in full. They relate to the portfolios of mental health, the Attorney-General, emergency services, agriculture, housing, public transport, environment, energy and resources, planning, roads and road safety, housing, government services and health. I will provide a copy to the clerks. There are a number of issues that are very important to people in my electorate. It is the second time I have raised some of these, and I would really appreciate your efforts to get some answers.

The SPEAKER: They will be followed up.

Jade Benham: On a point of order, Speaker, I too am seeking some answers to expired questions: question 250 to the Minister for Environment, question 212 to the Minister for Ambulance Services, question 106 to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, question 93 to the Minister for Health Infrastructure, question 91 to the Minister for Health, adjournment matter 91 for the Minister for Environment and adjournment matter 23 for the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples. Again I would ask for follow-up on these actions as soon as possible.

Sam Hibbins: On a point of order, Speaker, I have got a number of overdue and unanswered questions and adjournment matters that I seek to be followed up with the relevant minister. That is adjournment matter 27 to the Minister for Housing, adjournment matter 107 to the Minister for Public Transport, constituency question 96 to the Minister for Public Transport and question on notice 97 to the Minister for Housing. I appreciate your assistance.