Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) presented a petition bearing 5658 signatures:

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that Neighbourhood Houses funding has failed to keep pace with costs and in real terms is 20% lower than it was in 2010. Funding no longer meets employment costs, leaving Neighbourhood Houses with no funding to keep the lights on. For the past three years, half of all neighbourhood houses have recorded a loss.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council urgently meet the requests of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria’s 2026 budget submission: Restore funding in real terms for Neighbourhood Houses through a 25% increase, fund the 25 Neighbourhood Houses that do not currently receive any ongoing funding, and develop a fund for the establishment of 20 additional Neighbourhood Houses in growth areas.

Melina BATH: As this is a petition qualifying for debate under standing order 11.03(10), I give notice that I intend to move ‘That the petition be taken into consideration’ on Wednesday of next sitting week.