Ministers statements: power saving bonus
Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (14:34): I am absolutely delighted to update the house on the cost-of-living support that we are providing through our $250 power saving bonus. Since the program opened on 24 March, nearly 1.5 million Victorian households have applied for the power saving bonus, with more than 1.3 million households across the state having received the payment in their pockets. The member for Albert Park will be very pleased to know that her electorate has nearly 22,000 applications – that is $5.5 million to that community. Of course the member for Laverton will be equally delighted because those families have notched up just under 22,000 applications so far. And the member for Melton will be thrilled to hear that his electorate has just ticked over 20,000 applications as well. Not far behind that is the member for Bellarine’s community, who have received 19,000 payments – that is $4.75 million of cash support back in the pockets of hardworking Victorians. Finally, I do want to do a shout-out to the member for Warrandyte, who will be also very pleased as he exits this place. It is this government that has provided $3.6 million of immediate cost-of-living relief to his constituents. All of this is on top of the 1.85 million Victorians who received the bonus in the last round. That is $500 since July last year in the pockets of Victorians. We have done more than that. Our approach stands in stark contrast to those opposite, who when they were in power saw skyrocketing 30 per cent increases in electricity prices. But even they know a good idea when they see one of course, spruiking our bonus with radio ads, member for Ovens Valley – (Time expired)
Chris Crewther: On a point of order, Speaker, I wish to raise a couple of questions I have asked in this place that are well overdue. First, question 69 was due on 25 March and relates to many beaches and paths in Mount Martha and Mornington that are rapidly eroding, facing significant drainage issues and/or closed. Second, question 98 was due on 21 April and relates to saving the decommissioned reservoir at 57 Kunyung Road, which still requires government retention, rehabilitation and preservation as public wetlands. Can you please direct the minister to answer these questions and reiterate the urgency of these questions?
The SPEAKER: Before I call the member for Eildon, could I ask the member for Mornington to provide his notes to the Clerk. We were unable to hear all of that. I ask the house to come to order.
Cindy McLeish: On a point of order, Speaker, I also draw to your attention unanswered questions on notice past their due date. Questions 150, 152, 153, 154, 155 and 273 to several ministers are a couple of months overdue, and I would appreciate that to be followed up as well.