Wednesday, 15 May 2024

 Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Jobs and Industry, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Women) (10:07): I rise to update the house on some of the outcomes that were in the budget papers for the seat of Sydenham. The Allan Labor government is continuing to invest and build upon our state education system. Plumpton primary school will receive a share of the $948 million, as part of the new school’s construction being delivered by 2026. Many local residents will receive assistance from Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre, which I am proud to say with this budget will continue to deliver crucial services and funding. The budget also supports the continuation of the centre’s family violence program, providing vital legal services to victims and survivors of family violence. We are also supporting the Caroline Chisholm Society with $110,000 to provide specialist homelessness services for women and children across the west. Their assistance is absolutely crucial in finding short- and long-term housing options, advocacy and support for applications for private and social housing. Women deserve to live safely and without fear, and violence against women is not just a women’s issue, it is a men’s issue. It is everyone’s issue, and Australians made that clear three weeks ago as they marched through the streets of Melbourne and all the other major cities. Victoria has worked hard on this issue and will continue to.