Tuesday, 28 May 2024

 John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:19): My question is to the Premier. A retrospective planning overlay has been imposed on hundreds of existing homes across the Wonthaggi North East precinct, leaving vulnerable home owners facing up to $80,000 in costs to clear this blight on their properties. Brett and Amy, who have been supporting their one-year-old daughter Milly, who has recently been in hospital receiving brain surgery, have spoken about the crippling costs that clearing the government’s overlay will have on their family. Does the Premier stand by this unfair decision?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:19): In answering the Leader of the Opposition’s question, he is referring to a planning issue that has been an issue for the Bass Coast community for a number of years now. I know the Minister for Planning has been working with the council and also the Victorian Planning Authority. The Leader of the Opposition referred to a family who are experiencing some hardship and distress. That is obviously a concern, and I will refer that matter to the Minister for Planning for her follow-up.

 John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:20): The opposition has committed to ripping up the Labor government’s unfair and retrospective decision. Will the Premier adopt the opposition’s policy?

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Tarneit can leave the chamber for an hour.

Member for Tarneit withdrew from chamber.

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:20): I think those opposite know that when you agree with the Leader of the Opposition, you end up getting letters that end you up in court, so, no, I will not be agreeing with the opposition. As I said earlier, I will refer this matter to the Minister for Planning for her follow-up.