Thursday, 29 August 2024
Bills
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Bill 2024
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Bill 2024
Introduction and first reading
The PRESIDENT (17:41): I have received the following message from the Legislative Assembly:
The Legislative Assembly presents for the agreement of the Legislative Council ‘A Bill for an Act to amend the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Act 1996 to change the name of that Act, to change the name of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust and to modernise governance and operational provisions and for other purposes.’
That the bill be now read a first time.
Motion agreed to.
Read first time.
Enver ERDOGAN: I move, by leave:
That the second reading be taken forthwith.
Motion agreed to.
Statement of compatibility
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (17:42): I lay on the table a statement of compatibility with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006:
Opening paragraphs
In accordance with section 28 of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, (the Charter), I make this Statement of Compatibility with respect to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Bill 2024.
In my opinion, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Bill 2024, as introduced to the Legislative Council, is compatible with human rights as set out in the Charter. I base my opinion on the reasons outlined in this statement.
Overview
The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Act 1996 (the MCET Act) to introduce a framework that supports the MCET Act’s principal function of managing convention and exhibition facilities in Victoria. The Bill is an important part of the government’s initiative to modernise and reform the MCET Act. The Bill:
a) changes the name of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET), to Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET)
b) enables the Minister to determine additional functions for the MCET, to meet the broader statewide coverage, and the changing needs of Victoria’s tourism and events industries in response to changed market conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic
c) updates the functions of the MCET to modernise MCET membership and governance arrangements to strengthen and balance the suitable skills and professional duties of the members of MCET in line with contemporary practices
d) also provides for the MCET’s additional functions as the operator of the new Geelong Convention and Event Centre (GCEC), which will open in 2026
e) would not affect the continuity of the Trust as a legal entity.
I consider that that the amendments under the Bill do not engage or limit any rights under the Charter.
Human Rights Issues
Human rights protected by the Charter that are relevant to the Bill
The Bill does not raise any human rights issues.
Consideration of reasonable limitations – section 7(2) of the Charter Act.
As the Bill does not raise any human rights issues, it does not limit any human rights and therefore it is not necessary to consider section 7(2) of the Charter Act.
Hon Gayle Tierney MP
Minister for Skills and TAFE
Minister for Regional Development
Second reading
That the bill be now read a second time.
Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard:
I want to start by commending the Trust, the Hon John Brumby, and all the Trustees, the CEO Natalie O’Brien and all the team for running such an important asset with professionalism and efficiency.
Overview
The Bill will amend the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Act 1996 (the Act) to change the name of that Act and the name of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (the Trust), expand the functions of the Trust to meet the changing needs of Victoria’s tourism and events industries, and to modernise governance and operational provisions.
Introduction
The Trust is the operator of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Victoria’s and Australia’s premier convention and exhibition facility and an important government-owned economic asset.
The Trust is responsible for the development, promotion, management, operation and use of convention and exhibition facilities in Victoria, including the use of those facilities and services for entertainment purposes.
While the Act has adequately served as the Trust’s governing legislation to date, there is now a need to modernise and reform the Act.
Reflect the Trust’s new role as the operator of GCEC
The Bill will rename the Trust as the Victorian Convention and Event Trust.
The Trust will be the operator of the new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (GCEC), which is scheduled to open in 2026. GCEC will be a major driver of jobs and economic growth to Victoria, particularly regional Victoria, supporting new jobs during construction and additional ongoing jobs through operation.
There is broad support from regional and other key stakeholders that the name of the Act and the Trust be updated to reflect the Trust’s new role in regional Victoria.
Support Victoria’s tourism and events industries
The Bill will allow for the functions of the Trust to be expanded via a determination by the Minister, if required, to meet the emerging needs of Victoria’s tourism and events industries.
The tourism and events industries make an important contribution to Victoria’s economy through direct spending, employment and investment, and they face ongoing challenges across many fronts, including substantial workforce and skills challenges.
As the operator of MCEC (Melbourne’s pre-eminent convention and exhibition venue) and the new GCEC venue (which is poised to become the state’s pre-eminent regional convention and event venue), there may be a broader role for the Trust to support the sector to address existing and emerging issues and challenges. Examples of potential opportunities for the Trust could include delivering training to support the needs of the sector, becoming a registered training organisation, or showcasing the industry and strengthening career pathways through, for example, a centre of excellence.
The Bill provides the flexibility to determine and confer the Trust with additional functions, as required, to support Victoria’s tourism and events industries, subject to a determination of what the function is and that any determination be published in the Government Gazette.
Contemporise governance arrangements
The Bill will modernise Trust membership and governance arrangements, and support its new responsibilities.
The Bill will increase the maximum number of Trust members from 7 to 9, appointed by the Governor in Council, to reflect the additional responsibilities of the Trust as the operator of GCEC and its expanded functions proposed in this bill.
The Bill will enable the appointment of a Deputy Chairperson and Acting Chairperson to ensure better coverage should the Chairperson be absent or unable to perform duties.
The Bill will expand the scope of conduct that allows for a member to be removed or suspended to ensure greater consistency with comparable statutory authorities within the Tourism and Major Events portfolio, such as the Puffing Billy Railway Board.
The Bill will amend the automatic vacancy provisions of members to provide that the office of a member of the Trust becomes automatically vacant where the member becomes insolvent under administration, rather than bankrupt, as this is considered more appropriate terminology.
The Bill will clarify powers and responsibilities of temporary members of the Trust, including clarifying that a person, acting as a member, will have the same voting rights as an appointed member.
Conclusion
The Bill will amend the Act to support the Trust’s new role as the operator of GCEC, and will modernise Trust membership and governance arrangements.
I commend the Bill to the house.
Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (17:42): I move:
That debate on this bill be adjourned for one week.
Motion agreed to and debate adjourned for one week.