Tuesday, 31 March 2026

 Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (13:53): This morning, along with my colleague John Pesutto, I attended the 100 Lab Coats event, a call for stronger investment in Victoria’s medical research, which was held in Parliament Gardens. It was a fantastic event where researchers dressed in their white lab coats with messages of hope and the importance of the medical research sector. On the other side of the podium, however, there was a string of other coats, grey coats, that represented just what is happening – with the coats hanging in a ghostly manner, I might add – because of the lack of funding that is being provided to this very important sector.

This sector does amazing work. It contributes so much – $600 million to the state economy each year – and yet they cannot get enough funding from the state government to assist with their ongoing viability. I have got lots more to say on this, but what I want to implore the government to understand this important sector. I do not think they do understand; they give them no time whatsoever. Last year there were 500 jobs that were lost in this sector. This is a sector that innovates and provides hope and discovery. I want to also acknowledge Steven and Juli – Steven for telling his very personal story about the extraordinary advancements in cancer research and his recovery.

The PRESIDENT: I acknowledge an important delegation in the gallery, which includes an honourable member of the Indian Parliament. You are most welcome.