Tuesday, 18 November 2025

 Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Minister for Finance) (14:20): I rise to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s work to encourage investment and create more jobs in Victoria. Whether it is because we are backing Avalon Airport or because we have secured the state’s first major subsea fibre-optic cable, we are seeing the economy continue to grow. Close to home to the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events in Notting Hill, Victoria is now home to the world’s very first commercial quantum diamond foundry, driving economic growth in our great state’s thriving quantum technology sector. These diamonds have got the capacity to play an important role when it comes to being used for ultrasensitive MRIs, as well as being used for brain imagery. The member for Albert Park knows very well about the importance of building, thanks to NEXTDC’s new $2 billion next generation digital campus in Fishermans Bend, which will help us position our state as a national data centre hub. The reality is that data centres will be to the 21st century what the rail lines were to the 19th century.

It is not just in Melbourne either. Thanks to the Allan Labor government, Farm Frites Australia is establishing a $300 million Asia Pacific manufacturing base in the member for Lowan’s electorate to manufacture its popular frozen chips from up to 250,000 tonnes of Australian-grown potatoes. We are also investing in venture capital funds to give more innovative Victorian companies the support they need to grow, with a $75 million investment in five specialist capital funds that target climate tech, health, life sciences, high-growth technology businesses and female founders. On this side of the house we are dedicated to ensuring there are opportunities for all Victorians, while those opposite are more concerned with giving all their members an opportunity to lead the Liberal Party. I am sure the member for Berwick regrets letting the new Leader of the Opposition –

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, ministers statements are not an opportunity to sledge the opposition.

Mary-Anne Thomas: On the point of order, Speaker, they are a time to compare and contrast our government with those on the other side.

The SPEAKER: The minister will come back to his ministers statement.

Danny PEARSON: I am sure the member for Berwick is regretting letting the new Leader of the Opposition call in sick to his trip to China, giving her the opportunity to stay at home and work the phones instead.

James Newbury: On a further point of order, Speaker, the minister is just defying your ruling.

The SPEAKER: I remind the minister to come back again to his ministers statement.

Danny PEARSON: We are focused on creating jobs for Victorians and driving our economic economy forward, while those opposite are busy planning the next coup.