Thursday, 2 April 2026

 Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (12:48): (2294) My question is to the Minister for Carers and Volunteers. How is the Allan Labor government supporting food relief organisations in the Southern Metropolitan Region to help families doing it tough? Families across Victoria are facing increased cost-of-living pressures. We know the petrol pump is just one of the many issues that families are facing. The Allan Labor government is listening and responding, and this morning we announced we are delivering a $2.7 million food relief package to provide immediate assistance where it is needed most. In the Southern Metropolitan Region organisations like OzHarvest, whose headquarters are in Port Melbourne, are doing incredibly important work, securing quality surplus food and delivering meals directly to vulnerable families. Just last week I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from CISVic, the peak body for community information and support services. They have got their headquarters just over the road from my electorate office. They are providing food relief to locals. They are seeing increased demand. The government is responding. We are providing practical and immediate support to help people who need help.