Thursday, 31 October 2024

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Housing, Minister for Water, Minister for Equality) (22:35): This evening we have had 14 adjournment matters raised for the attention of a range of different ministers. They will be referred in accordance with the standing orders.

There was also a matter raised for the attention of the Premier by Dr Ratnam. I just want to respond to a couple of the assertions made in that contribution as they relate to the staff and to the systems that operate here in the Parliament. I want to commend the work that the clerks, that security, that attendants do in making sure that in providing assistance, safety and support for people it is done in a way that is fair, that is non-discriminatory, that is inclusive and that takes account of people’s various needs as they arise. The staff and clerks here at the Parliament meet people where they are according to their need in order to assist with aspiration and opportunity, and it cannot go unsaid and unremarked upon that any allegations about unfair or inappropriate surveillance are completely unfounded and have no basis whatsoever in fact. I thank the staff, the clerks, the attendants, security, the PSOs and everybody who does work so hard to make sure that in fact the place where we work – the people’s place, the place where we welcome communities from all over the world – is a place of inclusion, and to that end I am grateful for their assistance every single day. The rest of that matter requires no response.

The PRESIDENT: The house stands adjourned.

House adjourned 10:37 pm.