Thursday, 22 February 2024

Responses

Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ambulance Services) (17:33): In response to the request from the member for Lara, I would be absolutely delighted to join her in visiting the North Geelong early parenting centre. Early parenting centres are going to change so many lives. I know that from the centres I have had the opportunity to visit so far. This is an investment in families in this state that we will all reap the benefits of for decades to come. The early parenting centres that I have already had the opportunity to visit have been extremely welcoming places. They treat all families with dignity and respect and help parents to be the parents that they want to be by making sure they are providing guidance and support. People think of them perhaps like sleep schools, but they deliver so much more, and the member for Lara has so clearly articulated that. I cannot wait to go and visit with her.

Other matters were raised tonight. The member for Kororoit raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Emergency Services, and the action that she sought is that the minister join her on a visit to Rockbank CFA. I am sure the minister would be delighted to do that. The member for Kew, who I note is no longer in the chamber, raised a matter for the attention of the Premier, and the action that she sought is that the Premier seek information from the Victorian Building Authority and WorkSafe Victoria in relation to the Kew Recreation Centre site. The member expressed her displeasure at the way in which the development of that site is progressing and the role that both the VBA and WorkSafe are playing in that. The member for Caulfield raised a matter for the attention of the Premier, and the action he sought – and I note he has gone home as well – was that the Premier assist the SES in Glen Eira. He made the case that the Glen Eira unit needs new accommodation.

The member for Croydon raised a matter for the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, and I note the member is in the chamber. The action that he seeks is that the minister meet with one of his constituents, Ms Karen Hodgskiss, to hear firsthand her experiences of the family violence system. The member for Preston raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Public and Active Transport, and the action the member sought was that the minister visit the historic northbound Tyler Street tram stop, which unfortunately is no longer able to function as a tram stop, even whilst it is in the middle of an activity centre. I think the member for Preston has some grand plans for that tram stop, and I am sure he looks forward to the minister visiting with him.

The member for Brunswick raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Consumer Affairs, and the action that the member has sought is in relation to the establishment of a licensing scheme for cigarettes and vapes. I note, however, the recent actions of the Albanese Labor government and that the health minister Mark Butler, in cooperation with all of the states, is working to ensure that vapes are no longer able to be imported or made available to anyone other than via prescription and through a pharmacy.

The member for Pascoe Vale raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Education and, in his inimitable style, has requested that the Minister for Education join him on a tour of Coburg North Primary School, one I know that the Minister for Education will look forward to. The member for Murray Plains has raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Emergency Services, and the action that he seeks is that his constituents receive some assistance with receiving the bulk of their flood recovery grants and that there be some consideration of an extension of time for the delivery of those grants. The member for Narre Warren South has also raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Consumer Affairs, and the action that he is seeking is an update on how the additional funds of $2 million that have been made available to support renters will benefit renters in his electorate.

I will ensure that they are all referred to the relevant ministers.

The SPEAKER: The house now stands adjourned.

House adjourned 5:38 pm.