Tuesday, 20 February 2024

Constituency questions

Eildon electorate

Cindy McLEISH (Eildon) (14:42): (500) My question is to the Premier. Brendon Clark of Healesville is a small business operator who had seed collection and firewood contracts with VicForests. He is a victim of the Victorian government’s decision to shut down the Victorian timber industry. Will the Premier expedite the matter and see that compensation is quickly paid so that Brendon and others like him are not in limbo and forced to join the Centrelink queue? Brendon and other small business operators in similar situations have now been informed they are eligible for timber support packages for business compensation but have no information, confirmation or compensation offer. His financial situation is dire. He is nearing bankruptcy and fears losing his home. Unlike harvest and haulage companies, Brendon has not received monthly compensation since the shutdown in July and has had to rely on savings to pay tax, superannuation, vehicle costs, insurance bills and redundancies. He needs your support hastily.