Wednesday, 15 May 2024

 Martin CAMERON (Morwell) (09:58): The horrific and tragic death of Dr Ashley Gordon earlier this year sent shockwaves through the Box Hill community where he was a dedicated and passionate doctor and through my community in the Latrobe Valley where Dr Gordon was raised and where his family lives. The far-reaching impact Dr Gordon had on so many lives was clear at his funeral, where nearly 1000 people packed Kernot Hall in Morwell.

A few weeks ago I had the great honour of meeting Dr Gordon’s family. Ash, as he was affectionately known, was a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend. His senseless death has left the Gordon family reeling, and now they are determined to lobby for change in his name. The Gordon family has asked me to sponsor a petition calling on the state government to take three actions: amend legislation to afford police greater stop and search powers, reinstate section 30B of the Bail Act 1977 and cancel plans to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14. The Gordon family met with the Attorney-General recently, but they felt they were afforded only lip service and platitudes. They did not feel heard. That is why it is my great honour to be sponsoring this petition on behalf of the Gordon family to officially call on the state government to use their powers to effect very real and lasting change in Ashley’s name.