Wednesday, 18 February 2026

 Nick STAIKOS (Bentleigh – Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Local Government) (19:24): I genuinely thank the member for Mornington for raising his matter, because it is a serious matter; it is a matter that is above politics. We have 14 minimum rental standards in Victoria because noncompliance with the rental standards can sometimes have tragic consequences. Last year with the member for Wendouree I met the family of Simon Scarff, who very sadly died trying to escape a fire at his rental property in Ballarat, which was not fitted with a smoke alarm. That is why this government changed the laws in Victoria to ensure that all rental properties not only have to be fitted with a smoke alarm but also have to be tested at least once per year. I take the point that the member for Mornington is making, that we need to ensure that rental providers are complying with those minimum standards, and we need to do what we can to ensure that there is full compliance with those minimum standards. I will ensure that I refer the member’s concerns to the director of Consumer Affairs Victoria and to our rental taskforce responsible for weeding out noncompliance with our minimum standards, including when it comes to smoke alarms. The member also referred to a report by the McKell Institute. I am aware of the report, and I will undertake to the member that I will meet with the McKell Institute on that matter. Thank you to the member for Mornington for raising that with me.

A number of other members did raise issues for various ministers. The member for South-West Coast raised a matter for the Minister for Public and Active Transport concerning the Warrnambool train line. The member for Lara raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Roads and Road Safety with regard to the roads around Anakie Primary School. The member for Lowan raised a matter with the Minister for Energy and Resources with regard to the Victorian transmission plan. The member for Ripon raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Environment requesting that he expedite bushfire clean-up of Carranballac reserve. The member for Bass raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Environment asking that he visits the electorate of Bass. The member for Narracan raised a matter for the Minister for Housing and Building with regard to minimum financial requirement regulations. The member for Narre Warren South raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Children with regard to kindergartens on school sites, specifically one in the member’s electorate. The member for Polwarth raised a matter for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety regarding repairs to Carlisle Road. The member for Pascoe Vale raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Roads and Road Safety requesting an update on investment in local roads in his electorate. I will ensure that all relevant ministers receive those requests.

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

House adjourned 7:28 pm.