Wednesday, 15 November 2023

Responses

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (19:21): I will begin with the matter that was raised by the member for Lowan, as that matter was raised for me in my capacity as the Minister for Agriculture. The action being sought was for the minister to ensure that there is sufficient allocation of firewood for the year ahead in regional Victoria, particularly noting the needs of the elderly and the disadvantaged. I really welcome this matter being raised and thank the member for Lowan for doing so. I do understand and appreciate the concerns of not only those that receive and rely upon firewood but also those that collect and distribute firewood. What I will do is continue conversations with you about this so that we can get some reassurance to the community.

Going to the other matters, the member for South-West Coast raised a matter for the Minister for Disability. The action being sought was for the minister to provide a commitment of ongoing equitable funding to regional food relief organisations and the Regional Food Security Alliance so that country Victoria can be assured of necessities such as food.

The member for Monbulk raised a matter for the Minister for Youth, and the action being sought was for the minister to join with the member here in Parliament House to speak with members from her youth advisory council.

The member for Hastings raised a matter for the Minister for Children. The action being sought was that the minister provide the member with information about the record investment in early childhood education that this government has provided in his electorate.

The member for Kew raised a matter for the Minister for Education, and the action being sought is that the minister undertake a comprehensive and independent review of the VCE exams process under the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

The member for Narre Warren North raised a matter for the Minister for Transport Infrastructure. The action being sought was for the minister to join the member in her electorate and to visit the site of the Webb Street level crossing removal and station upgrade to see all the action that is taking place around that important project.

The member for Mornington raised a matter for the Minister for Education, and the action being sought was for the minister to fund a government P–12 specialist school for neurodiverse students in his electorate.

The member for Kororoit raised a matter for the Minister for Environment. The action being sought was for the minister to join the member at a bulk container deposit scheme return centre in her electorate and see the amazing work that is being done there.

The member for Nepean raised a matter for the Minister for Outdoor Recreation, and the action being sought was for further enforcement and regulatory reform regarding jet skis in his electorate and to visit Nepean to see how invasive jet skis can be to local beachgoers.

Finally, the member for Lara raised a matter for the Minister for Energy and Resources. The action being sought was for the minister to visit Geelong Sustainability in her electorate to hear about the work that are they doing and their impact-focused community programs that are helping local residents to make their homes more sustainable.

I will refer all of these matters to the appropriate ministers.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, Minister. The house stands adjourned until tomorrow morning.

House adjourned 7:25 pm.