Wednesday, 27 August 2025

 David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (09:36): I move, by leave:

That this house mourns the tragic loss of two Victorian police officers near Porepunkah, extends its deepest condolences to their families and pays tribute to the bravery and service of all police, who risk their lives each and every day to keep us safe.

Leave refused.

David SOUTHWICK: I move, by leave:

That this house notes the revelations linking Iran to terrorist attacks on Australia’s Jewish community and calls on the government to urgently review funding of anti-Israel groups behind rallies, encampments and harassment of Victorian Jews and to investigate individuals threatening social cohesion and community safety.

Leave refused.

 Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (09:37): I move, by leave:

That this house condemn the Labor government for weakening laws such as bail, which has resulted in increased crime in South-West Coast, retailers terrified in their workplace, home invasions, carjackings and machete attacks, things we have never had to think about in our community before.

Leave refused.

 Richard RIORDAN (Polwarth) (09:37): I move, by leave:

That this house condemns the Allan Labor government for its failure to deliver on its commitments to addressing homelessness and providing adequate housing in Victoria. Shamefully, the government has not released current Victorian housing register data, with the most recent figures dating back to March.

Leave refused.

Richard RIORDAN: I move, by leave:

That this house condemns the Allan Labor government for its failure to address the housing crisis. Successive housing and planning ministers have done nothing to address the single biggest issue of housing affordability. The Victorian government now claims up to 45 per cent of the cost of a new home in taxes and charges.

Leave refused.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, I am concerned. I think I heard the Leader of the House refuse this house having time to consider the terrible incident that occurred yesterday but instead move a sledge motion in this chamber. I am concerned that this house has not got the time to consider this tragic incident, yet this government wants to play dirty politics over allowing this house the opportunity to talk about this incident, which we all think the time should be afforded for.

The SPEAKER: Member for Brighton, that is not a point of order.

 Tim READ (Brunswick) (09:39): I move, by leave:

That this house notes that Australia’s cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity should be celebrated, that the government must urgently combat bigotry and hatred and condemn far-right groups who are currently organising to promote racism and xenophobia in our community and that it is all of our responsibility to build a safe and inclusive Victoria.

Leave refused.

Will Fowles: On a point of order, Speaker, I am just after some guidance about the operation of the house. Yesterday the house took a dinner break at 7 pm, came back at 8 o’clock and then immediately adjourned off. I would be grateful for some guidance about what the conventions are around the communication of those changes to the sitting schedules. I am not the only member in this place who has family commitments, and it would have been helpful for me to have known in advance (1) that the adjournment was going to happen, (2) that we were going to come back and (3) that it was immediately going to get adjourned off. I understand there are conventions from the government communicating with the Manager of Opposition Business, but for those of us on the crossbench and perhaps even in the minor parties, I think it would be helpful to understand what the protocols are.

The SPEAKER: Member for Ringwood, that essentially is not a point of order. These are matters for the house; they are not matters for the Speaker. However, I encourage members to have open conversations with all parties in relation to the running of the chamber.