Thursday, 10 February 2022

Northern Metropolitan Region

Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (1623)

Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021:

My constituency question is for the Minister for Health and relates to COVID regulations as they apply to a specific venue in my electorate.

Simone Pulga, the owner of the Butterfly Club, a theatre venue in Melbourne’s CBD, has difficulty interpreting the density limits. The theatre is allowed 100 per cent, but he can only have 50 per cent density in the bar—which patrons must walk through to access the theatre. He would like to know whether he should comply with the 50 per cent density for the entire venue, or can he open the theatre to 100 per cent density?

Mr Ondarchie: On a point of order, President, I draw your attention to standing order 8.08, particularly part (4), which requires ministers to reply to constituency questions to the Clerk within 14 days of them being asked. I have constituency question 1573, which was asked of the Minister for Roads and Road Safety 69 days ago; one to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, question 1548, which was asked 72 days ago; and one to the Minister for Health, question 1208, which was asked 247 days ago. I have still not received answers, and I seek an explanation as to where they are.

The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Mr Ondarchie. You know there is no way I can direct the ministers on that.

Ms Pulford: I thank Mr Ondarchie for bringing those to my attention as the minister representing those ministers in this place, and I will seek to follow those up for you.