Wednesday, 10 September 2025

Waste and recycling management

David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan) (12:10): My question is to the Premier. The recent upper house debate detailed the undesirable consequences of the expansion of waste-to-energy facilities in Victoria. Affected communities are horrified by the government’s recent decision to award licences for seven new waste-to-energy facilities in their neighbourhoods, close to schools and childcare centres in some cases, and locking in contracts to burn over 3.5 million tonnes of waste annually. Legislative Assembly MPs Lily D’Ambrosio, Bronwyn Halfpenny and Ella George have shown great courage and moral integrity in standing with their communities to oppose these massive incinerators, attributes that are much appreciated by their constituents. I ask: will the Premier guarantee that these MPs will not be punished for siding with their community in the face of this dangerous government policy?

The PRESIDENT: I am struggling with that one.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Once again, I am happy to hear points of order. But where I might be struggling is that I am not too sure if that is an accusation against a sitting member, as far as the Premier is concerned.

David ETTERSHANK: On a point of order, President, it is absolutely not an accusation of anything. It is seeking a reassurance that when government local members get up and say their piece on behalf of what their constituents are telling them they will not risk any damage as a result. That is all we are seeking. I guess that is how a democracy should work.

The PRESIDENT: Mr Ettershank, I will give you a chance to rephrase if you like. Would you like to rephrase the question in a way that maybe the question can be put?

David ETTERSHANK: I will have a punt. Perhaps I can leave the initial few paragraphs in place and just sort of indicate that we seek a level of comfort from the Premier as to the government’s response to these actions that have been taken in reflecting the views of their community.

The PRESIDENT: I am not keen to put the question, I have got to say. I am happy to take other points of order before I knock it out.

David Davis: President, on a point of order, let us be clear about this: this is a government-administered program that the member is talking about.

Jaclyn Symes: Which program?

David DAVIS: This is the waste-to-energy program. The waste-to-energy program is a government program, and there are different levels of waste that have been set, going from 1 million to 3.5 million – I think I am right on levels – so there has been a change. Government MPs have shifted their position away from the government’s policy position. I think the member is well entitled to ask whether they will be targeted or victimised or allowed to speak. That is entirely reasonable.

The PRESIDENT: I still think it is making an accusation against a sitting member, which is not within the standing orders. I am sorry, Mr Ettershank. I will not put that question.

David Ettershank: On a point of order, President, sorry, reflecting my naivety on procedure here, but do I also lose my supplementary?

The PRESIDENT: Yes.

David Ettershank: Okay. Thank you.