Wednesday, 18 October 2023

Sprite

Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:50): I rise for my members statement today to talk about the importance of companion animals, and I know that companion animals are of incredible importance to many people in my region. I note this year the Victorian government also rolled out the Victorian pet census, which was about finding out who had what types of pets. We are finding out that there are many and a varied range of pets that people have as companion pets.

But I am disappointed to inform the house that due to a decision by the Department of Parliamentary Services, our little senior ambassador Sprite was banned from this building. It is absolutely shameful, and I am devastated to learn this, because I think – and I know the Treasurer was on his feet this morning at the doors talking about this – having dogs in the workplace makes us all kinder and gentler people. Goodness knows we need that here in Spring Street, don’t we. So I am on team Sprite. I am a strong advocate for bringing Sprite back to the Parliament, so bring back Sprite and go team Sprite!

I would just like to say that Sprite is a gorgeous senior rescue doggy. He has been very well looked after by his foster mum, and of course many, many parliamentarians have paid a visit to Sprite and given him lots of pats and cuddles. I know we are allowed to have dogs in the annex, but it does not make any sense not to have Sprite, who is actually no trouble at all and just sleeps in his bed and loves cuddles, just here in the library. I hope all of you will get behind team Sprite and join with me as we campaign to bring Sprite back to Spring Street.