Thursday, 10 September 2026

 Nathan LAMBERT (Preston) (14:36): (1827) My constituency question was drafted by Sam Heffernan from Preston High, who is joining us for work experience this week. It is a question for the Minister for Local Government, and the question is: what is being done to ensure sporting facilities in the Darebin area, particularly those used by state schools for physical education, are maintained to a safe and suitable standard? Our government is of course committed to providing safe, high-quality facilities for local communities. However, we do need to examine the maintenance and upkeep of these facilities, particularly given the rise in sport-related injuries within Darebin. From 2020 to 2024 sport injury hospitalisations in Darebin increased by 44.17 per cent. The heavy use of facilities like HP Zwar Reserve and GH Mott Reserve, which I understand Sam’s family know well, does not always appear to be reflected in their level of maintenance and care. Any information that the minister could provide to our office and to Sam would be greatly appreciated.

Cindy McLeish: On a point of order, regarding outstanding constituency questions, Speaker, I have a list of 19 outstanding constituency questions, some of them dating back to –

The SPEAKER: Order! We just need the numbers of the constituency questions.

Cindy McLeish: 3162, 3163, 3458, 3524, 3537, 3538, 3539, 3540, 3541, 3542, 3543, 3544, 3545, 3546, 3547, 3548, 3631, 3632 and 3633.

The SPEAKER: Give your list to the Clerk, please, member for Eildon.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on Tuesday you might recall that I asked advice from you in relation to the last time a reminder was given to ministers on the outstanding matters – two days ago. I am just wondering if someone has been able to search Hansard over the last two days.

The SPEAKER: That is a matter that will be taken up outside of the chamber, member for Brighton. It is not appropriate to ask questions of the Speaker. However, I will respond to your previous point of order.

James Newbury: On a further point of order, Speaker, at the time – sorry, I should have said – you did advise me in the chamber that you would come back to the chamber with that advice.

The SPEAKER: And I will.