Southern Metropolitan Region
John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (09:53): I have had a few busy weeks of late. On Monday I attended the Williamstown Dockyard tour with the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union. There we discussed manufacturing options for the future of the site. Last week I wrote to almost 500 families about the proposed changes to the payroll tax for non-government schools. I represented the Minister for Crime Prevention in the other place Minister Carbines at the Neighbourhood Watch’s 40th anniversary afternoon tea. It was great to catch up with the Chief Commissioner of Police Shane Patton and the Neighbourhood Watch president Suzanne Dunlop, but most importantly I spoke to the hardworking volunteers without whom Neighbourhood Watch would not run. I popped down to the Mercy O’Connell Family Centre in Canterbury with the Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health in the other place Kat Theophanous, and I had the opportunity to speak to a young mother struggling to get their child to sleep. Thanks to the amazing staff, they enjoyed their first night of rest in a long time. How good was that? I also visited the Governor for the joint presentation of the address-in-reply with my colleagues from right across this and the other place, who I hope to serve for many, many years to come.
As much as I enjoy the important work at Spring Street, I am excited for the winter break to get back to my community, listen and continue doing what matters to them.