Wednesday, 15 October 2025

 Vicki WARD (Eltham – Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery, Minister for Equality) (19:57): The Leader of the Nationals and member for Gippsland South had an action for me as Minister for Emergency Services to look at how accessibility can be improved for CFA members to access the rebate for the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.

Danny O’Brien interjected.

Vicki WARD: And the SES. I thank the member for raising this matter. As the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund is an expansion of the fire services levy, a property charge that was adapted by the previous coalition government in response to the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, the member would be aware that this is the first time a rebate has been available for eligible volunteers. The action the member seeks is an action for the Treasurer, but I have noted his concerns and advocacy, and I will pass on the member’s request. I also suggest the member raise this concern directly with the Treasurer.

The member for Albert Park had a matter for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety where she invited the minister to visit Fishermans Bend to support her progression of important road safety upgrades. The member for Caulfield had a matter for the Minister for Education, which was to provide funding for a hall at St Kilda Primary School. The member for Monbulk had a matter for the Minister for Education. She seeks an update on the upgrade to Emerald Secondary College. The member for Kew had an adjournment matter for the Minister for Education seeking information regarding legal fees concerning the member’s freedom-of-information request. The member for Kororoit asked the Minister for Education to provide an update regarding investments in student wellbeing across her electorate.

The member for Mornington had an adjournment matter for the Minister for Public and Active Transport where he sought an update on the timeframe for the delivery of route 88 bus services and improvements to the 704 and 705 bus service routes. The member for Hastings’ adjournment matter was for the Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs to visit some of his local businesses – and in particular, some of the amazing local wineries, which he could also bring here – that are batting above their weight, he says, creating fabulous produce and jobs. The member for Narracan had an action for the Minister for Planning seeking her attention to renewable planning concerns he has, particularly regarding battery farms. The member for Clarinda had an adjournment matter for the Minister for Education seeking information on how the Allan Labor government is investing in schools in his electorate. All of these matters will be passed on.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The house stands adjourned till tomorrow morning.

House adjourned 8:00 pm.