Thursday, 9 June 2022

Responses

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (18:32): There were eight adjournment matters from eight MLCs this evening to eight different ministers. I will ensure seven of those adjournment matters, to ministers other than me, are directed to those ministers and that responses are sent to the members in line with the standing orders.

Ms Crozier has directed an adjournment matter to me, and I did sort of interact with her through nodding and in a number of ways. I only met with the Municipal Association of Victoria probably, forgive me if I am wrong, about a couple of weeks ago, and it was not one of the items on their agenda at that time, so recently. And I have not directly been approached by the two councils you mentioned in the western suburbs over this issue, but as I said in this chamber even today, I appreciate that if I ruled out talking to councils about things outside my portfolio I probably would not have any great interaction with them whatsoever. On her action, I will get Local Government Victoria, the department that works with me, to reach out tomorrow to those two councils, and any further interaction I am more than open to. I say to councils, in the days that we have been living in recent years, that I am only an email and a Teams meeting away, so I like to think I am approachable on any issues. I do know in this circumstance that the health department and the Minister for Health are actually doing some work on this issue as we speak, and I do know that neighbouring councils have been terrific in supporting those councils with maternal health nurses and other resources as well. I understand that there is a baby boom in that area and there are a number of challenges, but I hope that acquits Ms Crozier’s adjournment matter.

In saying that, President, I would like to think I speak on behalf of all the members of this chamber and all the staff in wishing you the best you can be in the coming week.

The PRESIDENT: On this basis the house stands adjourned.

House adjourned 6.35 pm until Tuesday, 21 June.

Following material incorporated by Mr DAVIS (see page 2091):