Tuesday, 27 August 2024

Questions without notice and ministers statements

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:01): My question is to the Premier. Today thousands of union construction workers have taken an unauthorised industrial stoppage by walking off major government projects in support of the CFMEU. The Treasurer has called the mass walkout by CFMEU members ‘unlawful’. Will the Premier do the same?

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! I did not hear the question. Leader of the Opposition, just from the end of your question, please.

John PESUTTO: The Treasurer has called the mass walkout by CFMEU members ‘unlawful’. Will the Premier do the same?

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:02): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. The reference to the Treasurer’s observations about the rally that is going on in capital cities around the country today is a characterisation that has been made by the Fair Work Commission that I agree with.

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:02): How much will today’s unlawful industrial stoppage add to the cost of Victoria’s infrastructure projects?

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:03): We will continue to work with our construction partners to deliver Victoria’s transport infrastructure pipeline. Indeed, we will also work with our construction partners to deliver our health infrastructure pipeline, our record number of new school buildings –

John Pesutto: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, can you draw the Premier back to the question about how much industrial stoppages today will add to the cost of Victoria’s infrastructure projects?

The SPEAKER: I ask members not to repeat the question during a point of order. I ask the Premier to come back to the question.

Jacinta ALLAN: We will continue to work with our construction partners on delivering more transport infrastructure, removing level crossings, building more renewable energy projects and more homes, and we will continue to work with our partners to deliver these important projects for our city and state.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, firstly, the Premier is defying your ruling. We are on the first question of the day, and the Premier is again refusing to be relevant to the question.

The SPEAKER: Order! I ask you to be succinct in your points of order. The Premier has concluded her answer.