Wednesday, 1 April 2026

 Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Creative Industries) (14:14): As you know, Victoria is renowned for its great festivals. They are a key part of the reason that we are the cultural capital of the country: Melbourne Fringe; the international film festival; the jazz festival; Midsumma; the writers festival; the fashion festival, which my colleague the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events backs in; and the food and wine festival. And of course we have just released the program for our big winter arts festival Rising, which will warm up our winter.

If you have not noticed, we are in the middle of the comedy festival, and it is in its 40th year. I would like to share with the house some great parts of the program. I was going to see if the member for Croydon wanted to join me to see Mark Watson’s show 20 Years of Doing My Absolute Bloody Best. I think the member for Rowville should see John Peacock’s Mind the Generation Gap. I do acknowledge some people are having a tough time at the moment, and when you are feeling down everyone needs a good laugh. I know the member for Kew might enjoy How Could Hell Be Any Worse by Rosco McClelland if she can fit it in amongst making calls. Last Sunday night we had a great show, not part of the official program, called ‘Did You Know Dinesh Was Dodgy?’ That show was for one night only. I understand the same performers will follow it up with a show called ‘Get Phil’, and I recommend the member for Hawthorn check out Sofie Hagen’s show I Think Some of This is My Fault.

The Allan Labor government will keep backing our world-class festivals because we know they are a key part of our creative state. I want to thank the Liberal Party for their contribution to comedy.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Members will come to order. The member for Bulleen is back. The member for Bulleen is warned.