Wednesday, 21 June 2023

Knox shopping centre parking

Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:47): I recently reported to this house on Westfield’s shameful plans to bring in paid parking for customers and staff at the Knox shopping centre. Despite strong opposition from the community, they have now implemented the charges, charging shoppers who have stayed more than 3 hours up to $35 a day and retail workers $5 a day. I am proud to have joined with member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor, member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association in leading the campaign against these changes. More than 2900 people have now signed our petition, and I encourage all to add their voice.

At a rally held outside the centre two weekends ago we had a strong turnout of Knox workers, who told us of the hardships that these new changes bring. We heard from Amanda, a single mother who will struggle to make ends meet because of these new charges. Supporting her family is now harder. She is even denied a concession, despite qualifying for public transport concessions. Like others, Amanda has also been wrongly charged the full $35 on occasion, even though she is a staff member. Even at the $5 cap, this is an added impost of well over $1100 a year.

Designated staff car parking spaces often fill up quickly and are located in remote parts of the complex with limited lighting. Despite assurances to staff that security escorts would be available, this has seldom eventuated. We are also struck by the incredible response from shoppers and passers-by to our campaign. Never have so many horns been heard on the Burwood Highway, and along with Mr Taylor and Ms De Martino, I am looking forward to meeting with Westfield to take up the case on behalf of Knox retail workers.