Thursday, 2 April 2026

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:33): I rise to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s $3.6 billion investment in early childhood infrastructure and in particular our investment in Early Learning Victoria centres. Last week I officially opened two of our new Early Learning Victoria centres, Early Learning Victoria Ngawak in Frankston, along with the member from Frankston from the other place, and Early Learning Victoria Laak in Hallam, alongside the member for Narre Warren North from the other place. In that spirit, I am always encouraged to see those opposite engaging with this capital program. Ms Bath put out a media release on this topic, and I will share some quotes from that release – I was so encouraged. She said:

The Allan Government has been called on to work collaboratively with the San Remo community over the proposed location of the town’s new childcare centre.

…

There are more than 70 objectors to the location adopted by Labor …

Gayle Tierney: On a point of order, President, I am sitting right next to the minister and I cannot hear her.

The PRESIDENT: I call the chamber to order.

Lizzie BLANDTHORN: She said:

There are more than 70 objectors to the location adopted by Labor …

…

Labor has made a captain’s call … bypassing any form of genuine community consultation.

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In announcing the childcare centre, Labor also ignored Bass Coast Council’s proposal supporting an integrated education precinct …

Had Ms Bath spoken with members of the community, reviewed even a handful of the 70 objections cited in a media release, engaged with Bass Coast Shire Council, read the local paper in San Remo or simply reviewed the planning permit itself, she might have realised that this is in fact an application from a private developer for a commercial childcare centre. Not only do those opposite fail to recognise the difference between state and Commonwealth responsibilities when it comes to the NDIS, they now appear unable to distinguish between a private for-profit development and a government owned and operated Early Learning Victoria centre. For the benefit of the house, I update it that we are continuing to work with the local community on the most appropriate location for this ELCC, but it was not so long ago that those opposite moved a reasoned amendment trying to stop us opening any of them in the first place.