Thursday, 30 May 2024

Constituency questions

Eastern Victoria Region

Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (12:41): (899) My question is for the Minister for Consumer Affairs in the other place. Financial counsellors provide an incredible role supporting Victorians when they are in times of hardship and ensuring that our big corporates in Victoria are delivering on their responsibilities to support Victorians in that hardship. Whether it is telcos, whether it is road toll operators, whether it is banks or whether it is insurers, I am proud to have been part of a government that has ensured that sufficient legislation and regulation is in place to protect Victorian consumers, because we know as sure as hell the Liberals would never pass such laws to protect Victorian consumers. I am proud that the most recent budget has money to assist Victorians with the cost of living and supporting families, and I am also proud that there is millions of dollars to support financial counsellors and the work they are doing. Minister, how are we supporting Victorians to access essential financial counselling services?

Melina Bath: On a point of order, President, constituency questions need to be specifically about constituents in your electorate. That was a generalist question that had no relevance to Eastern Victoria Region.

The PRESIDENT: Ms Bath, before I called the next constituency question, I was going to say I was happy that Mr McIntosh was prepared to forge through when I could not hear him because of all the conversations around the room.

Tom McIntosh: I’ll have another go if you like.

The PRESIDENT: No.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! What about if I just review it and remind members –

Tom McIntosh interjected.

The PRESIDENT: Order! I remind members that sometimes people can be questioned about what a constituency question is across the board. I will make sure people try to keep their constituency questions relevant to the standing orders as best as possible.