Tuesday, 16 June 2026

 Paul HAMER (Box Hill – Minister for Local Government, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Corrections) (19:24): I will deal with the member for Mildura’s matter first. The government’s roadside weeds and pests program is a very important program. Since the 2021–22 financial year, the Victorian government has provided $11.5 million over four years for this program, and that includes about $2.86 million in each financial year. There is another allocation of that amount in the 2026–27 budget to support councils – it is the 45 rural, regional and outer metropolitan councils. Obviously, as the member would well know, hers would be one of the biggest electorates, if not the biggest electorate in the state, and therefore would have a commensurate amount of local roads.

I appreciate the member’s request. I would note that the funding allocations for 2026–27 will be announced for eligible councils in July 2026, and that will be –

Jade Benham interjected.

Paul HAMER: I will take the member’s comments and questions on board when that determination comes through.

In relation to the other members who have raised matters for other ministers, the member for Bulleen raised the matter for the Minister for Consumer Affairs, requesting a meeting with a group of landlords to clarify rental laws. The member for Lara raised a matter for the Minister for Energy and Resources, requesting that the Brisbane Ranges National Park be protected from resource extraction. The member for Mordialloc raised a matter for the Minister for Health Infrastructure regarding the timeframe for construction of the Dandenong Hospital. The member for Warrandyte raised a matter for the Premier regarding our cost-of-living measures. The member for Sydenham raised a matter for the Minister for Violence Reduction, seeking an update on the rollout of the early intervention program. The member for South-West Coast raised a matter for the Minister for Health, requesting funding for a residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility in Warrnambool. The member for Narre Warren South raised a matter for the Minister for Public and Active Transport, seeking an update on how the initiative of half-price fares, this wonderful government initiative, is helping residents in his electorate. The member for Narracan, who has left the building, raised a matter for the Premier, seeking the Premier to visit his electorate and explore some of the infrastructure. And the member for Broadmeadows raised a matter for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, requesting an investigation of a potential pedestrian crossing to improve the safety of pedestrians on Camp Road.

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

House adjourned 7:27 pm.