Wednesday, 15 September 2021

 Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) (11:37): (1375) My constituency question is to the acting Minister for Local Government. Yesterday the mayor of the City of Maribyrnong, Cr Michael Clarke, proposed a plan by which the council would establish some sort of plant, presumably, for the production of medical cannabis. Last night, much to my surprise, the full Maribyrnong council endorsed Cr Clarke’s plan. Now, my support for medical cannabis is on the public record, so that is not the issue. My concern is this municipal council extending itself to risk the ratepayers’ hard-earned on a commercial venture. Even in the widest reading of the role of local government it is impossible to see how this enterprise can be justified. I like Cr Clarke, and I am very happy to work with Cr Clarke on a range of matters aimed at bringing benefit to the people of the municipality of Maribyrnong, but this is not one of them. Acting Minister, what is the Andrews government’s attitude to Maribyrnong council’s leap into private enterprise, and does it set a precedent for other councils starting their own businesses?

The PRESIDENT: Sorry, members, I am struggling a bit to understand the bells when someone is not here. I know I have got a couple of names on the list in front of me of people who are not in the chamber. I was checking with the Clerk what the temporary orders say. I have to ring the bells for every contribution. I do not think this is on, but I have to follow the temporary orders. I am just putting you on notice. I will look into it.