Thursday, 2 May 2019

Responses

Mr SOMYUREK (South Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Small Business) (18:14): I have had adjournment matters from Mr Ondarchie to the Minister for Health; from Ms Vaghela to the Minister for Training and Skills; from Mr Rich-Phillips to the Minister for Roads; from Dr Ratnam to the Minister for Housing; from Ms Lovell to the Minister for Roads; from Mr Quilty to the Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional Development; from Mr Limbrick to the Minister for Health; from Ms Bath to the Minister for Education; from Ms Wooldridge to the Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade; from Mr Atkinson to the Minister for Education; and from Mr Grimley to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure.

In relation to Mr Finn’s adjournment matter, unfortunately I do not have the power to direct councils in their operational matters. They are self-governing entities who are responsible and accountable for their own governance—the decisions and the actions they take. That is underpinned by local democracy. Having been on the Electoral Matters Committee for a long time, he will know all about the electoral mandates. As Minister for Local Government I say that to Mr Finn. However, I am willing to go out to Yarraville and speak to those businesses. I am always keen to go out and meet businesses and local governments. I am happy to go out there and meet with them. If Mr Finn wants, he can take me out there and introduce me to them. In the meantime we will make some gentle inquiries with the council to see what the real issues there are.

I have written responses to adjournment debate matters raised by Mrs McArthur on 5 March 2019 and Dr Ratnam on 21 March 2019.

The PRESIDENT: The house now stands adjourned.

House adjourned 6.17 p.m. until Tuesday, 28 May.