Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Ella GEORGE (Lara) (14:35): (1807) My question is for the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. How is the Victorian government supporting new and emerging multicultural communities so that they can build connections in our community and create spaces that are safe, welcoming and respectful of cultural traditions? Geelong’s north has historically attracted many multicultural Victorians. In the 1960s and 70s these were largely European migrants, but today this has changed, and we are seeing many new and emerging communities arriving from different parts of the world, in particular many communities from countries within Asia and the Middle East. One of these communities is the Hazara community, who I met with last week. I had a tour of their brand new community centre, which the Hazara community have worked incredibly hard to secure through a massive fundraising effort. It is so important that we continue to support our multicultural communities so they can have hubs in the community just like this. On this side of the house we have a long history of helping to ensure that all Victorians can participate safely in community life, free from racism, vilification and discrimination, and I am proud to be a member of a government that backs our multicultural communities.

Martin Cameron: On a point of order, Speaker, I have some unanswered questions: 1259, 3309, 1711, 3523 and 3675. I will hand them to the Clerk.

Bridget Vallence: Speaker, I have a point of order on a number of questions that are outstanding and overdue, one being to the Treasurer that is now 15 months overdue on incorrect land tax assessments. These questions to the Treasurer are overdue and unanswered: questions on notice 2421, 3237, 3239, 3240, 3242, 3256 and 3649. The questions to the Minister for Finance that are overdue are questions on notice 3420, 3422, 3423, 3427, 3430, 3431, 3435, 3436, 3439, 3502, 3503, 3504 and 3505. The question that is overdue and unanswered by the Minister for Skills and Training is question on notice 3453. The questions that are overdue and unanswered by the Minister for Jobs are questions on notice 3486, 3488 and 3510. The questions that are overdue and unanswered by the Minister for Education are question on notice 3210 and constituency question 1718. A question to the Premier that is overdue and unanswered is question on notice 3316. And with one sitting week of the Parliament left, I would really appreciate responses for my constituents –

The SPEAKER: Order! The member knows not to add to her point of order. Pass your list to the clerks.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, I seek to raise with you a constituency question to the Premier which remains unanswered from January, 1450; to the Premier from April, 1562 –

The SPEAKER: Member for Brighton, we just need the numbers, please.

James Newbury: I am giving context.

The SPEAKER: A point of order is not for context; it is to give us the numbers of the unanswered questions.

James Newbury: Questions 1628 to the Premier, 1652 from July to the Premier, 1678 from July to the Premier and 1708 from August to the Premier all remain unanswered.

On a further point of order, Speaker, I would appreciate your advice or information to the house for the last time considering the number of outstanding questions and ask that you advise ministers in this chamber that the matters remain outstanding.

The SPEAKER: Member for Brighton, thank you for your point of order. I will ask the clerks to review them and get back to me.