Tuesday, 3 February 2026

 Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (19:32): (2084) My question is to the minister for higher education, and it relates to the former mental asylum Aradale in Ararat. Aradale is an asset owned by the state, but the committee of management is Melbourne Polytechnic. The historic Aradale site, which is an iconic heritage structure synonymous with Ararat but well known across western Victoria and indeed the state, is in drastic need of repair. I have seen pictures and video evidence that reveal parts of the roof are at risk of caving in. There is water damage and mould damage; walls are falling apart, and many of them have big holes in them. The heritage value of the building itself should be enough to justify preserving the building, but the site is used for other purposes as well, such as the tourism sector where ghost tours operate. Minister, can you please explain what the government is going to do to rectify this situation? We want to save Aradale so it is preserved well into the future.