Wednesday, 1 May 2024

Wednesday 1 May 2024

The SPEAKER (Maree Edwards) took the chair at 9:33 am, read the prayer and made an acknowledgement of country.

The SPEAKER: I acknowledge in the gallery former minister and member for Bayswater the Honourable Heidi Victoria.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, a number of members both on this side of the chamber and on the other side of the chamber and in the other place have raised with me their concerns about safety and security both in the precinct and more broadly. It is an issue that we have attempted to raise with the government, and I am hoping that we can approach you perhaps to lead a bipartisan opportunity to have a conversation about security both in the precinct and more broadly. A number of recent incidents that have occurred are deeply concerning to members, and I am approaching you in the hope that a bipartisan opportunity can be provided for us to talk about these concerns.

The SPEAKER: The Manager of Opposition Business is aware that questions cannot be asked of the Speaker. However, I do take on board your point of order, and I would encourage members from all sides if they wish to raise these matters to do so with me and the President in my office.

David Southwick: On the point of order, Speaker, as you would be aware I have written to you particularly about these security issues, and I was referred to speak to the head of security for the Parliament Adam Incher, which I have done, and I have also spoken to Victoria Police. I do want to specifically raise the incident that happened on Monday and the concerns about that particular individual and the threats to our safety. It was very disturbing seeing that footage on Monday. If I could just add, particularly, that that particular individual should be referred to Victoria Police to ensure that our security and the security of this Parliament precinct is maintained. It was very, very concerning to see what happened on Monday. Certainly the head of security and Victoria Police both said that the powers ultimately reside with the Presiding Officers. I think it is really important that we work with the government to do whatever we can to ensure this precinct is safe. I understand the importance of de-escalating and trying not to have something get out of control, but what we have seen is effectively bracket creep from these protesters that would suggest that the Parliament is theirs. It is not theirs, it is for the people of Victoria. I think we should all be very, very mindful of that. It is our duty to ensure that it is for all people of Victoria. Nobody should be on the steps of Parliament suggesting that they own the Parliament of Victoria.

The SPEAKER: Member for Caulfield, thank you for raising your point of order. I will reiterate that these matters are to be raised with me and the President outside of the chamber.