Tuesday, 7 May 2024

Ministers statements: cost of living

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (12:41): I am pleased to update the house on the action we are taking to support Victorians with the challenges that they are experiencing as a result of cost-of-living pressures. We know that this is the number one issue facing families in our state today. It shows up as the dollar figure at the register when you finish your weekly shop, as the cost of your power bills to heat your home and to keep the lights on and also in education. It also can come as a result of the investment in new uniforms, books, camps and excursions. We know household budgets are tighter than they have ever been before, and we on this side of the house know that Victorians are relying on us to provide them with the support to get them through.

We already have a strong foundation, particularly in education, on which we are supporting Victorian families. More than 40 million school breakfasts have been served at schools across the state, giving kids the best start to their day. That is better than cutting Fresh Fruit Friday, like those opposite did. There is our Smile Squad providing free dental to thousands of students.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, a number of rulings have shown that it is out of order for a minister to use a ministers statement to attack the opposition. I put to you that that is exactly what the Premier is doing on the day they are about to cut funding promised at the election.

The SPEAKER: Manager of Opposition Business, I would have ruled on your point of order, but I rule it out of order.

Jacinta ALLAN: A point of fact: Fresh Fruit Friday was no longer under the former Liberal government. But we have got Smile Squad providing free dental to students in schools, free glasses as well and free kinder providing families with a saving of up to $2500 for every child. Also, as we have heard from the Minister for Public and Active Transport, whether you are jumping on the train in Bendigo or you are jumping on the train in Bairnsdale – and that train in Bairnsdale will be one that is made here in Victoria, running on a train line that the Labor government reopened – you only have to pay $10.60 for that fare. We are going to continue to get on and support Victorian families right across the state.