Thursday, 3 April 2025

 James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:46): (1094) My question is for the Premier, and I ask: when will the Premier extend the exclusion zones around Port Phillip Bay beaches and do something about the safety risks associated with jet skis? Elwood resident Ernest recently contacted me about the lack of state government action to protect the community at our local beaches. As a swimmer he is worried about the physical harm from jet skis. As local resident Andrew said, ‘This is beyond a joke.’ Police and councils are lamenting they cannot control jet ski behaviour. Injuries and accidents are rising. Ernest and Andrew have cause for concern. We know about the tragic death of swimmer Robert Brewster at Port Melbourne beach in 2012. As Robert’s daughter Alexandra recently said, the jet ski driver ‘ran over him and didn’t actually know he’d even hit him, just kept driving’. Many members have contacted the Minister for Ports and Freight and the Minister for Outdoor Recreation, who instead of taking action simply devolved responsibility to Parks Victoria. Premier, do something. Make a decision. It is time to act and keep the good people on our beaches safe.