Ripon electorate
Martha HAYLETT (Ripon) (14:48): (1119) My question is for the Minister for Environment. Minister, when will felling for public firewood collection resume across Ripon and our regions? I have had many concerned constituents contact me about how Forest Fire Management Victoria has not felled enough trees for seasonal public firewood collection this year. Many families within my electorate rely on firewood collection from designated state forest areas to heat their homes. Usually they can collect firewood during the autumn and spring months, but there have been huge shortages this year. I understand that this is in part due to ongoing industrial action by Australian Workers’ Union members in FFMV who want to pay parity with their Parks Victoria counterparts. I back FFMV workers in their fight for fairer wages and conditions and thank the mighty AWU for their support of workers. Many locals are keen to see this issue put to bed so they can begin collecting much-needed firewood again. I look forward to providing them with the minister’s response.
Martin Cameron: On a point of order, Speaker, I have some unanswered questions: questions 1985, 2031, 2195, 2196 and 2197. I am wondering if you could follow up with the relevant ministers. I will have the list to the clerks.
The SPEAKER: Could you hand the list to the clerks, please?
Annabelle Cleeland: On a point of order, Speaker, about the response times from ministers when it comes to questions on notice, I have 14 overdue and awaiting responses from the ministers for health, public and active transport, housing and government services. My oldest question is 83 days old now and requests essential information about housing for victims of family violence. The questions are 2041, 2042 – I will give it to the clerks instead, to save you some time.
The SPEAKER: That would be much appreciated, member for Euroa.