Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Water safety

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:24): (537) My question is for the Minister for Emergency Services. Minister, as you would be aware, the past summer experienced a 45 per cent increase in drownings – that is, over and above the long-term average – but during PAEC you laughed off the fact that after nearly 12 months you still had not read or seen the inspector-general for emergency management’s report into drownings that was presented to you last August. So I ask: why not?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:24): At the outset, it has been a really concerning year for drowning, which has followed several years of unfortunate incidents that have seen people lose their lives, which is indeed why we have been working closely with Life Saving Victoria on messaging, on target groups et cetera. A tragic loss of life when it is the result of drowning is just that – it is so awful. It is always avoidable, and that is why we want to ensure that we do the very best we can to ensure that people know the dangers, particularly of our beaches but also inland waterways and backyard pools. We are seeing a range of drownings across the board in every type of environment. When it comes to the inspector-general for emergency management’s report, that has been received by the department, and I will be receiving advice on it very shortly. It will be released in due course.

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:25): Extraordinary. I agree with you about the tragedy, and that is why you should have read it. I ask therefore: with ongoing cuts to Life Saving Victoria and a department that takes 12 months to read a report, can Victorians have confidence that the Allan Labor government takes water safety seriously?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:26): I thank Mr Davis for his question. Mr Davis, in this year’s budget alone there is $9.11 million in funding over two years for Life Saving Victoria to deliver critical water safety programs, paying lifeguards and supporting volunteer services across 42 locations in the state. We provide rescue watercraft services. There are nine roving rescue jet ski crews that are targeting some of the high-risk areas. There is a rescue helicopter, drone observation and critical response service supports, and as I said in my previous answer, there is public information, relations and messaging to ensure the Victorian community are best made aware of water safety issues. This is always an ongoing pursuit. We will continue to work with Life Saving Victoria, other agencies and local communities who have water bodies in their areas to ensure the very best support for those amazing volunteers that turn out time and time again, year in, year out – (Time expired)