Wednesday, 15 May 2024

 Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (09:57): I rise today to speak on how the Allan Labor government’s investments in the budget handed down last week will make a real difference across communities in Mill Park, South Morang, Epping and Wollert. It was wonderful to join with the members for Bundoora, Yan Yean and Thomastown and Northern Health representatives last Friday to welcome the state government’s investment of $812.5 million for the redevelopment of the Northern Hospital. The redevelopment includes a new emergency department, an alcohol and other drugs hub, a dedicated acute behaviour treatment space and a dedicated children’s emergency department, plus new inpatient beds. These upgrades will take the number of treatment spaces for emergency patients to almost 200.

Earlier on Friday, that same day, I was delighted to visit Wollert Secondary College with the member for Thomastown and meet with acting principal Neil Baillie to discuss the $36.166 million investment in the school. This investment will deliver a brand new arts, technology and science building, an administration building, a new learning neighbourhood as well as landscaping works. For a rapidly growing school in Melbourne’s northern suburbs this investment will allow students to have access to state-of-the-art facilities, and the year 8 students I spoke with cannot wait to enjoy the benefits.

Later that evening I attended Mill Park Secondary College’s arts festival opening night, located in the school’s recently finished $11.6 million 400-seat performing arts centre, which was funded also by the Victorian government. It was wonderful to speak to families about the government’s $400 school saving bonus, which will give great cost-of-living relief to every family who has a child attending the school next year.