Thursday, 10 September 2026

 Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit – Minister for Youth, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (14:09): This Labor government invests in the people that hold our community together, and that is why we are proudly investing $46 million per year across more than 400 neighbourhood houses across the state, providing food relief and connection where people need it most. I have visited dozens of them in recent months, alongside the members for Ripon, Narre Warren South, Pascoe Vale, Wendouree, Ashwood, Melton, Sydenham, St Albans and many more. We also back our unsung heroes through the Support for Carers program and the Victorian carers card. To support community building and men’s health, we deliver $1 million annually for men’s sheds, with grants of up to $100,000. For young Victorians we deliver Amplify, Engage!, Youth Fest, the Victorian Youth Congress and critical early intervention programs. While we are building communities, those opposite would strip away the support of Victorian carers and volunteers. Just yesterday we saw the Australia Institute’s damning independent report –

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, ministers statements should not be used to attack the opposition.

The SPEAKER: The minister was referring to a report, I believe.

Luba GRIGOROVITCH: Just yesterday the Australia Institute’s damning independent report showed that the deviant One Nation–Liberals $40 billion in cuts are impossible without the mass sacking of 31,700 Victorians, as well as cutting these vital programs. That is an economic and social wrecking ball that would drive Victoria’s unemployment rate up. And who actually benefits? It is not going to be working families, that is for sure. To compare and contrast, that means anyone who relies on a community service is on the chopping block while those opposite are simply courting the rich. This Leader of the Opposition says one thing in Kew, as we know, while also trying to pull the wool over Victorians’ eyes.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, I renew my earlier point of order.

The SPEAKER: The minister will refrain from attacking the opposition. The minister will be sat down otherwise.

Luba GRIGOROVITCH: This state does not want to be dragged into a state of miserable austerity and isolation. From fresh start to fresh hell is what we are looking at. Instead the Carroll Labor government will always choose investment in Victorian people.

Danny O’Brien: On a point of order, Speaker, the minister is very clearly defying the ruling you just gave in response to the member for Brighton.

The SPEAKER: I do not uphold that point of order.