Tuesday, 31 March 2026

 Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:59): (2275) My question is for the Minister for Transport Infrastructure. The roadworks around Bald Hill Road in Pakenham have restricted customer access to local businesses, resulting in massive declines in revenue and income. Some businesses have lost a staggering 70 to 80 per cent. My question is: why hasn’t effective hardship or income support been provided to businesses harmed by poorly managed and prolonged state road closures? While I have got time, I just want to point out that this has been so disappointing. I have been raising this for months and months. We have written to the council, and they have palmed it off to the State Revenue Office. I have written to the State Revenue Office, and they said I had to write to the Treasurer. I have written to the Treasurer, who has not responded. I have asked this question twice. After two weeks, one said, ‘You’ve got to ask the Minister for Transport Infrastructure.’ Everyone has been palming this off, and it is time to show some compassion and care and help these people.