Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:57): (2047) My constituent question is for the Minister for Local Government. I will first start by commending the minister on the Living Libraries infrastructure program, which will enable the Allan Labor government to support infrastructure upgrades, delivering tangible benefits for public libraries, recognising the important role public libraries play in fostering community learning. They facilitate access to information while creating a safe, supportive environment for our communities. This initiative demonstrates the commitment to supporting libraries, which allow free public access to information and technology to support the communities they provide for. It was great to be out there in the great electorate of Kew last week – a community that knows very well that only a Labor government and a Labor member will deliver for Kew. I had the great pleasure of being in attendance, along with Mr Batchelor and Minister Staikos, to deliver the great news of the grant. This library in my local community of Southern Metro received $550,000 under the Living Libraries infrastructure program for redevelopment. This will help improve their facilities to ensure they continue to enrich our community. My question is: can the minister speak on how the investment in local libraries, such as the funding for Kew Library, supports the government’s goals for stronger, more connected communities?