parliamentary debates (hansard) · jennings, mr gavin wayne south eastern metropolitan alp...

EXTRACT FROM BOOK

PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

FIFTY-SIXTH PARLIAMENT

FIRST SESSION

10, 11 and 12 November 2009

(Extract from book 15)

Internet: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/downloadhansard

By authority of the Victorian Government Printer

The Governor

Professor DAVID de KRETSER, AC

The Lieutenant-Governor

The Honourable Justice MARILYN WARREN, AC

The ministry

Premier, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Multicultural Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. J. M. Brumby, MP

Deputy Premier, Attorney-General and Minister for Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hon. R. J. Hulls, MP

Treasurer, Minister for Information and Communication Technology, and Minister for Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. J. Lenders, MLC

Minister for Regional and Rural Development, and Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. J. M. Allan, MP

Minister for Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hon. D. M. Andrews, MP

Minister for Community Development and Minister for Energy and Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. P. Batchelor, MP

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, and Minister for Corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. R. G. Cameron, MP

Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Small Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hon. J. Helper, MP

Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission, Minister for Water and Minister for Tourism and Major Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. T. J. Holding, MP

Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and Minister for Innovation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. G. W. Jennings, MLC

Minister for Public Transport and Minister for the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hon. L. J. Kosky, MP

Minister for Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hon. J. M. Madden, MLC

Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. J. A. Merlino, MP

Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, and Minister for Women’s Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. M. V. Morand, MP

Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Community Services and Minister for Senior Victorians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. L. M. Neville, MP

Minister for Industry and Trade, and Minister for Industrial Relations. . . . The Hon. M. P. Pakula, MLC

Minister for Roads and Ports, and Minister for Major Projects . . . . . . . . . . The Hon. T. H. Pallas, MP

Minister for Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hon. B. J. Pike, MP

Minister for Gaming, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister Assisting the Premier on Veterans’ Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. A. G. Robinson, MP

Minister for Housing, Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hon. R. W. Wynne, MP

Cabinet Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr A. G. Lupton, MP

Legislative Council committees

Legislation Committee — Mr Atkinson, Ms Broad, Mrs Coote, Mr Drum, Ms Mikakos, Ms Pennicuik and Ms Pulford.

Privileges Committee — Ms Darveniza, Mr D. Davis, Mr Drum, Mr Jennings, Ms Mikakos, Ms Pennicuik and Mr Rich-Phillips.

Select Committee on Train Services — Mr Atkinson, Mr Barber, Mr Drum, Ms Huppert, Mr Leane, Mr O’Donohue and Mr Viney.

Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration — Mr Barber, Ms Broad, Mr Guy, Mr Hall, Mr Kavanagh, Mr Rich-Phillips and Mr Viney.

Standing Orders Committee — The President, Mr Dalla-Riva, Mr D. Davis, Mr Hall, Mr Lenders, Ms Pennicuik and Mr Viney.

Joint committees

Dispute Resolution Committee — (Council): Mr D. Davis, Mr Hall, Mr Jennings, Mr Lenders and Ms Pennicuik. (Assembly): Mr Batchelor, Mr Cameron, Mr Clark, Mr Holding, Mr Lupton, Mr McIntosh and Mr Walsh.

Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee — (Council): Mrs Coote, Mr Leane and Ms Mikakos. (Assembly): Ms Beattie, Mr Delahunty, Mrs Maddigan and Mr Morris.

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee — (Council): Mr Atkinson, Mr D. Davis and Mr Tee. (Assembly): Ms Campbell, Mr Crisp, Mr Lim and Ms Thomson.

Education and Training Committee — (Council): Mr Elasmar and Mr Hall. (Assembly): Mr Dixon, Dr Harkness, Mr Herbert, Mr Howard and Mr Kotsiras.

Electoral Matters Committee — (Council): Ms Broad, Mr P. Davis and Mr Somyurek. (Assembly): Ms Campbell, Mr O’Brien, Mr Scott and Mr Thompson.

Environment and Natural Resources Committee — (Council): Mrs Petrovich and Mr Viney. (Assembly): Ms Duncan, Mrs Fyffe, Mr Ingram, Ms Lobato, Mr Pandazopoulos and Mr Walsh.

Family and Community Development Committee — (Council): Mr Finn and Mr Scheffer. (Assembly): Ms Kairouz, Mr Noonan, Mr Perera, Mrs Powell and Ms Wooldridge.

House Committee — (Council): The President (ex officio), Mr Atkinson, Ms Darveniza, Mr Drum, Mr Eideh and Ms Hartland. (Assembly): The Speaker (ex officio), Ms Beattie, Mr Delahunty, Mr Howard, Mr Kotsiras, Mr Scott and Mr K. Smith.

Law Reform Committee — (Council): Mrs Kronberg and Mr Scheffer. (Assembly): Mr Brooks, Mr Clark, Mr Donnellan, Mr Foley and Mrs Victoria.

Outer Suburban/Interface Services and Development Committee — (Council): Mr Elasmar, Mr Guy and Ms Hartland. (Assembly): Ms Green, Mr Hodgett, Mr Nardella, Mr Seitz and Mr K. Smith.

Public Accounts and Estimates Committee — (Council): Mr Dalla-Riva, Ms Huppert, Ms Pennicuik and Mr Rich-Phillips. (Assembly): Ms Munt, Mr Noonan, Mr Scott, Mr Stensholt, Dr Sykes and Mr Wells.

Road Safety Committee — (Council): Mr Koch and Mr Leane. (Assembly): Mr Eren, Mr Langdon, Mr Tilley, Mr Trezise and Mr Weller.

Rural and Regional Committee — (Council): Ms Darveniza, Mr Drum, Ms Lovell, Ms Tierney and Mr Vogels. (Assembly): Ms Marshall and Mr Northe.

Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee — (Council): Mr Eideh, Mr O’Donohue, Mrs Peulich and Ms Pulford. (Assembly): Mr Brooks, Mr Carli, Mr Jasper, Mr Languiller and Mr R. Smith.

Heads of parliamentary departments

Assembly — Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: Mr R. W. Purdey Council — Clerk of the Legislative Council: Mr W. R. Tunnecliffe

Parliamentary Services — Secretary: Dr S. O’Kane

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

FIFTY-SIXTH PARLIAMENT — FIRST SESSION

President: The Hon. R. F. SMITH

Deputy President: Mr BRUCE ATKINSON

Acting Presidents: Mr Eideh, Mr Elasmar, Mr Finn, Mr Leane, Ms Pennicuik, Mrs Peulich, Ms Pulford, Mr Somyurek and Mr Vogels

Leader of the Government: Mr JOHN LENDERS

Deputy Leader of the Government: Mr GAVIN JENNINGS

Leader of the Opposition: Mr DAVID DAVIS

Deputy Leader of the Opposition: Ms WENDY LOVELL

Leader of The Nationals: Mr PETER HALL

Deputy Leader of The Nationals: Mr DAMIAN DRUM

Member Region Party Member Region Party

Atkinson, Mr Bruce Norman Eastern Metropolitan LP Leane, Mr Shaun Leo Eastern Metropolitan ALP Barber, Mr Gregory John Northern Metropolitan Greens Lenders, Mr John Southern Metropolitan ALP Broad, Ms Candy Celeste Northern Victoria ALP Lovell, Ms Wendy Ann Northern Victoria LP Coote, Mrs Andrea Southern Metropolitan LP Madden, Hon. Justin Mark Western Metropolitan ALP Dalla-Riva, Mr Richard Alex Gordon Eastern Metropolitan LP Mikakos, Ms Jenny Northern Metropolitan ALP Darveniza, Ms Kaye Mary Northern Victoria ALP O’Donohue, Mr Edward John Eastern Victoria LP Davis, Mr David McLean Southern Metropolitan LP Pakula, Hon. Martin Philip Western Metropolitan ALP Davis, Mr Philip Rivers Eastern Victoria LP Pennicuik, Ms Susan Margaret Southern Metropolitan GreensDrum, Mr Damian Kevin Northern Victoria Nats Petrovich, Mrs Donna-Lee Northern Victoria LP Eideh, Mr Khalil M. Western Metropolitan ALP Peulich, Mrs Inga South Eastern Metropolitan LP Elasmar, Mr Nazih Northern Metropolitan ALP Pulford, Ms Jaala Lee Western Victoria ALP Finn, Mr Bernard Thomas C. Western Metropolitan LP Rich-Phillips, Mr Gordon Kenneth South Eastern Metropolitan LP Guy, Mr Matthew Jason Northern Metropolitan LP Scheffer, Mr Johan Emiel Eastern Victoria ALP Hall, Mr Peter Ronald Eastern Victoria Nats Smith, Hon. Robert Frederick South Eastern Metropolitan ALP Hartland, Ms Colleen Mildred Western Metropolitan Greens Somyurek, Mr Adem South Eastern Metropolitan ALP Huppert, Ms Jennifer Sue1 Southern Metropolitan ALP Tee, Mr Brian Lennox Eastern Metropolitan ALP Jennings, Mr Gavin Wayne South Eastern Metropolitan ALP Theophanous, Hon. Theo Charles Northern Metropolitan ALP Kavanagh, Mr Peter Damian Western Victoria DLP Thornley, Mr Evan William2 Southern Metropolitan ALP Koch, Mr David Frank Western Victoria LP Tierney, Ms Gayle Anne Western Victoria ALP Kronberg, Mrs Janice Susan Eastern Metropolitan LP Viney, Mr Matthew Shaw Eastern Victoria ALP Vogels, Mr John Adrian Western Victoria LP 1 Appointed 3 February 2009 2 Resigned 9 January 2009

CONTENTS

WRITTEN ADJOURNMENT RESPONSES

TUESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2009

Rail: Freight Futures strategy ..................................5477 Ambulance services: mobile intensive care units.....5477 Ambulance services: enterprise bargaining

agreement..............................................................5478 Consumer affairs: gymnasium fees...........................5478 Aqualink Box Hill: funding .......................................5479 City of Port Phillip: Ombudsman’s report...............5479 Dental services: denture scheme ..............................5480 Public transport: Geelong ........................................5481 Victorian College of the Arts and Music: future ......5482 Public transport: student concessions ......................5482 Hallam Road, Hampton Park: duplication ..............5482 Housing: waiting list .................................................5483 Princes Freeway, Longwarry: drainage ..................5483 Police: Ashburton station..........................................5484 Consumer affairs: residential parks .........................5485 Gaming: Echuca Workers and Services Club ..........5485 Shire of Gannawarra: swimming pools....................5486

WEDNESDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2009

Disability services: supported accommodation .......5487 Bushfires: fuel reduction ...........................................5487 Bridges: Barwon Heads............................................5488 Western Hospital: disrepair......................................5488 Mount Martha: beach renourishment ......................5489 Water: charges ..........................................................5490 Roads: emergency repairs ........................................5490 Parks Victoria: Chewton resident ............................5491 Children: early childhood services...........................5491 Disabilities services: Western Victoria Region ........5492 Sewerage: Gordon ....................................................5493 Racing: Casterton .....................................................5493

THURSDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2009

Manufacturing: defence tender.................................5495 Youth: hospitality industry training ..........................5495


Tuesday, 10 November 2009 COUNCIL 5477


Responses have been incorporated in the form supplied by the departments on behalf of the appropriate ministers.

Tuesday, 10 November 2009

Rail: Freight Futures strategy

Raised with: Minister for Public Transport

Raised by: Mr P. Davis

Raised on: 1 April 2009

REPLY:

I refer to matters you raised in the Legislative Council adjournment debate on 1 April 2009, regarding Victoria’s Freight Futures strategy and rail freight issues. The Minister for Environment and Climate Change referred these matters to me.

I note that you have questioned the Victorian Government’s initiatives to support rail freight and to encourage bulk transport by rail. You also commented on the approach taken in Freight Futures and claimed it will make no difference to a decline in the volume of freight carried by rail in Victoria.

The Victorian Government has made significant investments in the rail network since the buy-back in 2007 and the release of the Victorian Rail Freight Network Review. This has included projects such as the ‘gold’ and ‘silver’ line upgrades, and the Wodonga Rail Bypass project.

Freight Futures, the Victorian Government’s long term strategy for freight, was released in December 2008, and was based on extensive consultation across Government and with industry. The strategy has been widely accepted by stakeholders. Implementation of key tenets of Freight Futures, such as establishment of the Metropolitan Freight Terminal Network, the Principal Freight Network and Freight Activity Centres, has commenced and will assist in making rail a more attractive and cost-effective option for freight.

You also made reference to the termination in March 2009 of the contract to transport logs from Bairnsdale to the Midway plant at Geelong ‘as a result of Pacific National seeking to impose a 65 per cent increase in freight charges.’ I am advised that the transport of logs from Bairnsdale to Geelong by Midway ceased due to a requirement by VicForests that Midway source logs from bushfire affected areas around Marysville. I have also been informed that Midway has signalled its intention to resume the transport of logs by rail from Gippsland when VicForests again allows it to source timber from the region.

In addition to the significant capital investment and the implementation of strategies outlined in Freight Futures, the Department of Transport (DOT) will review access pricing following the Essential Services Commission’s review of the Rail Freight Access Regime, due in January 2010. I am confident that these efforts will result in an improved long term outcome for rail freight in Victoria.

Ambulance services: mobile intensive care units

Raised with: Minister for Health

Raised by: Ms Hartland

Raised on: 7 May 2009


5478 COUNCIL Tuesday, 10 November 2009

REPLY:

Ambulance Victoria has advised that there are currently 45 MICA students.

Three MICA courses were scheduled for 2009 with the first two fully subscribed due to the success of Ambulance Victoria’s MICA recruitment initiatives. As a result, Ambulance Victoria elected to defer the third course scheduled to commence in September 2009 until January 2010 as the volume of students on-road would have placed significant pressure on the Service’s support to the students and potentially compromised program quality. The decision was made by Ambulance Victoria and is due to the significant increase in MICA recruitment and qualifying numbers.

Ambulance services: enterprise bargaining agreement



Raised on: 30 July 2009

REPLY:

The Victorian Government, Ambulance Victoria and the Victorian Branch of the Ambulance Employees Australia reached an in principle agreement last month. Paramedics are currently considering this agreement, which will be subject to a vote in the coming weeks.

The Government believes that this agreement delivers a fair and balanced outcome for both paramedics and the community. The three year agreement includes: an immediate pay boost for paramedics in the first year, followed by 2.5 per cent increases in the following years; the introduction of a minimum ten hour rest break between shifts; creation of single state-wide classification structure; and access to improved salary sacrifice arrangements.

This agreement also builds on our Government’s proud record of supporting our ambulance services, with more than 800 extra paramedics employed since 1999, and last year’s $185.7M boost to ambulance services.

The Government is looking forward to finalising an agreement in the coming weeks, and continuing to work with our dedicated paramedics to ensure all Victorian continue to have access to the best possible ambulance services.

Consumer affairs: gymnasium fees

Raised with: Minister for Consumer Affairs

Raised by: Mrs Peulich

Raised on: 11 August 2009

REPLY:

I refer to the issue you raised concerning the ability of consumers to terminate their gym memberships.

Consumers can cancel their gym memberships in a number of ways. The following guidelines stipulate the mechanisms by which suppliers should allow consumers to cancel their gym memberships in a manner which would comply with Part 2B of the Fair Trading Act 1999 (the Act):

– All health and fitness centre membership agreements should have fair, prominently-flagged terms that clearly explain how consumers can cancel their memberships.

– Consumers should be able to cancel their memberships by written notice to the health and fitness centre.



– A membership contract should terminate upon written notice by the consumer to the gym, allowing for any notification period. CAV found that some gyms would not accept or process a request for termination by a member unless all fees were paid and up-to-date. CAV considers such clauses to be unfair. Any outstanding fees can still be pursued from the member once the contract is terminated.

– Consumers who have signed up for automatically-renewing minimum term memberships should be able to prevent the automatic renewal from taking place at the time of signing the contract. Consumers who have automatically-renewing minimum term contracts should be able to give notice before the minimum term expiry date, allowing for any notification period, so that their membership will terminate when the minimum term expires.

– The fee charged upon a consumer’s voluntary cancellation should be a genuine pre-estimate of the service provider’s costs. Contracts reviewed by CAV tended not to allow consumers to terminate their membership agreements within the minimum term. Where it was permitted, consumers were often required to pay out the entire contract. A requirement for consumers to pay out the entire contract–in other words, make all payments until the minimum term expires–is likely to be unfair.

CAV has published detailed guidelines on preventing unfair contract terms for the health and fitness industry, which consumers can access at www.consumer.vic.gov.au

In relation to developing an industry standard for exit clauses in gym membership contracts, the Act enables the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) or a court to declare that a term of a consumer contract is an unfair term.

In addition, consumers who feel that they have suffered loss as a result of an unfair term in a gym contract may apply to VCAT to have their claim determined.

The Act also makes it unlawful to use physical force or undue harassment or coercion in connection with the supply or possible supply of goods or services. Accordingly, conduct designed to ‘discourage’ consumers from exiting their gym contracts must not infringe these provisions. Generally speaking, the company is responsible for the actions of its employees.

As you are aware, the Coalition recently refused to support the extension of unfair contract terms to credit contracts to further protect Victorian consumers.

Thank you for bringing these issues to my attention.

Aqualink Box Hill: funding

Raised with: Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs

Raised by: Mr Atkinson


REPLY:

I can confirm that Whitehorse City Council has submitted a funding application to the Brumby Government’s 2009/2010 Community Facilities Funding Program Aquatic Access / Better Pools category for the Aqualink Box Hill Redevelopment.

The member’s support for the Aqualink Box Hill Redevelopment project has been noted and will be taken into consideration. Announcements of successful projects will be made from October this year.

City of Port Phillip: Ombudsman’s report

Raised with: Minister for Local Government



Raised by: Mr D. Davis


REPLY:

I welcome the tabling of the comprehensive Report of Investigation into the Port Phillip City Council by the Victorian Ombudsman.

This Report is about the procurement practices which were in place within the Port Phillip City Council prior to, and at the time of, the Ombudsman’s investigation.

The Ombudsman found numerous deficiencies in the Council’s procurement practices and contract management procedures which arose largely from failures in the Council’s administration.

The majority of the Ombudsman’s recommendations are directed at implementing improvements to the Council’s administration and administrative procedures, including staff training and management.

I have noted that the Council has accepted all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations and I look forward to seeing positive outcomes and improvements in the Council’s procurement practices and contract management through their implementation.

I have also noted that the Ombudsman made recommendations for my Department to review the support and guidance it provides to councils on the interpretation of legislation and best practice in procurement, as well as actively supporting the Port Phillip City Council towards compliance with the Local Government Act 1989.

My Department currently provides support to councils in relation to procurement, including:

– the provision of guidance on the provisions of section 186 of the Local Government Act 1989;

– publication of Local Government Procurement Best Practice Guideline which is modelled on the policies and procedures which apply to the State Government;

– assisting councils to improve procurement practices through the Councils Reforming Business program; and

– the development of a comprehensive procurement training program for council staff, the delivery of which will commence in November this year.

My Department is committed to supporting local government compliance with the Local Government Act 1989 with regards to procurement and will actively provide support and advice to the Port Phillip City Council about its procurement practices.

The Government amended the Local Government Act 1989 in late 2008,introducing a requirement for all councils to prepare and approve a procurement policy by November this year. The intention of the Government in introducing this requirement was to strengthen the transparency in local government procurement.

Dental services: denture scheme


Raised by: Mr P. Davis


REPLY:

The Brumby Government acknowledges the importance and values the contribution of Victoria’s private prosthetists in providing services to concession card holders through the Victorian Denture Scheme.



The Victorian Denture Scheme continues to support access to dental care for eligible patients. Vouchers are issued to patients for dentures when the public dental clinic is unable to provide the service in-house due to workforce shortages.

In response to our workforce shortages, the Victorian Government supported the establishment of the Bachelor of Health Science (Dentistry)/Master of Dentistry at the La Trobe University-Bendigo campus, which commenced in 2008 with an intake of 50 students. This new course paves the way for an increase of dentists trained in rural Victoria, leading to an increased workforce available for public service delivery to the regional communities. The government has continued its investment in the La Trobe University dental school through the provision of $2.4 million in 2009-10 to support increased service delivery in soon to be commissioned training clinics in Wodonga and Bendigo.

Around 20% of total courses of care are currently provided by the private sector using voucher schemes. Victoria, along with New South Wales and South Australia, does not match the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) rates in their various dental voucher schemes. Two of the other states, Western Australia and Tasmania do so by requiring their public dental clients to contribute higher co-payments than is the case in Victoria.

The waiting time target for dentures of 22 months in 2009-10 reported in the Victorian budget papers has not changed from the target set in 2008-09. The lower than expected outcome of 17 months in 2008-09 reflects the strategic targeting of agencies with long wait times which lowered overall dental waiting times significantly.

The Commonwealth Government announced a $290 million Commonwealth Dental Health Program in 2008. However the Federal Opposition and other parties have twice blocked this measure from passing the Senate. This is preventing $72.65 million flowing to Victoria for an extra 258,000 dental services over the next three years.

Public transport: Geelong


Raised by: Mr Kavanagh


REPLY:

The current contracts between the Department of Transport (DOT) and regional bus operators, including Geelong Transit service operators, have been in place since 1 July 2000. The current contracts include performance indicators regarding the punctuality and reliability of services. Bus operators are required to make monthly statistical returns, which include patronage numbers and certification that services were delivered. The punctuality, reliability and patronage of regional bus services is reported in DOT annual reports.

The Government is currently considering the arrangements, including the content and structure of new contracts, to be applied after they expire on 30 June 2010. The Government is working to provide a contractual regime that will deliver improved reporting and monitoring of the services provided, patronage achieved and costs involved.

Under stage one of the Government’s $80 million package, 400 extra weekly trips were added to boost Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula bus services. These new services started on 7 September 2009.

As part of The Victorian Transport Plan, released in December 2008, the Government announced the construction of the Regional Rail Link, a new 50-kilometre dual-track railway between West Werribee and Southern Cross Station. The project will provide separate tracks for regional and metropolitan train services. In the 2009–10 Federal Budget, the Federal Government announced funding of $3.2 billion towards the project, enabling works to start this year. This project, representing a total investment of $4.3 billion, will provide capacity for more than 9,000 extra passengers an hour. The Regional Rail Link will provide more frequent and reliable regional rail services, removing the bottleneck where trains on the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines reach the metropolitan railway network.



Victorian College of the Arts and Music: future

Raised with: Minister for the Arts


Raised on: 1 September 2009

REPLY:

The Victorian Government is committed to supporting a vibrant and diverse arts community in Victoria. The Faculty of the Victorian College of Arts and Music contributes significantly to that community.

The University of Melbourne is committed to undertaking a consultation process that includes staff, students and other relevant stakeholders. In order to ensure effective consultation, a project officer has been appointed to run the community and stakeholder consultation process.

The Faculty of the Victorian College of Arts and Music receives funding through the Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The Commonwealth Grant Scheme provides for a specified number of Commonwealth supported places. The Victorian Government will continue to work with the Commonwealth to ensure the best possible education and training of our future artists and arts workers and to ensure the pressures associated with funding studio-based training institutions are brought to their attention.

Public transport: student concessions


Raised by: Mr O’Donohue


REPLY:

Public transport concessions are generally not provided for students taking postgraduate courses. The Department of Transport has carefully considered the implications of the modified education model at Melbourne University. The current policy is intended to target concessions to students in genuine need. There are no plans to provide postgraduate students with concessions that are not means tested.

The majority of students studying postgraduate courses on low incomes are eligible for transport concessions by applying for a Centrelink Health Care Card.

The Victorian Government extended transport concessions to all Victorian residents holding Centrelink Health Care Cards in 2005. This ensures that students on low incomes are able to travel at concession fares on public transport if they are eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card. This includes part-time and postgraduate students. Eligibility for this card is based on an income and assets test and does not depend on the type of study or where you are enrolled.

If an individual earns less than $446 per week, equivalent to approximately $23,000 per annum, they may be eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card. Once an individual has qualified for a Low Income Health Care Card, they may earn up to $557.50 per week, equivalent to $28,990 per annum. Further information on eligibility criteria for Low Income Health Care Cards is available from Centrelink.

Hallam Road, Hampton Park: duplication

Raised with: Minister for Roads and Ports





REPLY:

I am informed that, as at the date the question was raised:

The Brumby Government is taking action to build better, safer roads across Victoria. Since 1999, we have completed 61 significant road upgrade projects in our suburbs, worth around $2 billion. We are also currently completing or preparing for a further 14 projects worth around $1.9 billion.

In addition, the Government’s Victorian Transport Plan will provide $38 billion to deliver in the short term more trains, trams, buses and projects to unclog our roads, and, in the longer term, transformational road and rail investments for the future. Under the plan, $1.9 billion has been provided for improvements to outer suburban roads–the biggest boost to outer suburban roads in the state’s history. Proposals for improvement projects on outer suburban roads must be considered and evaluated across metropolitan Melbourne. Any future duplication of sections of Hallam Road will be considered in this context.

The 1998 Strategic Infrastructure Planning Study for the City of Casey provided a strategic framework for guiding transport infrastructure priorities in this area. The Government has delivered the majority of the projects identified for construction by 2011, some of them ahead of schedule, and has also delivered significant road improvements beyond those identified in the study. Over time, the priorities identified in the study need to be reviewed against other emerging priorities in the local area and across the state, and Hallam Road will continue to be considered on this basis.

Housing: waiting list

Raised with: Minister for Housing

Raised by: Ms Lovell


REPLY:

It is the Department of Human Services and not my office that publishes the quarterly housing waiting list.

I am advised that the June quarterly waiting list was published on the Office of Housing Website on 24 September 2009.

I am advised that the department publishes waiting list data as soon as practical, following appropriate verification and validation.

I am further advised that that waiting list data is obtained from an extract of several reports. Individually each report takes time to be compiled, and the department undertakes comprehensive verification and validation of data. I am also advised that the June Quarter waiting list data can take longer to compile and verify as relevant areas undertake a number of end of financial year reports at the same time.

Princes Freeway, Longwarry: drainage






REPLY:

I am informed that, as at the date, the question was raised

VicRoads has been in discussions with Mr Mason concerning the water being discharged from the freeway into his land.

VicRoads is proposing to construct a retarding basin within the freeway reserve to reduce the peak water flows into Mr Mason’s property.

VicRoads has previously offered to improve the drainage through their property by constructing a part underground pipe, part open drain.

Police: Ashburton station

Raised with: Minister for Police and Emergency Services

Raised by: Mr D. Davis


REPLY:

The Brumby Government is committed to providing safe streets and homes for Victorians by ensuring Victoria Police is highly professional and well resourced. Since coming to office, the State Government has increased the number of police by over 1,400. Further, we have increased funding to Victoria Police to a record budget of more than $1.89 billion in 2009-10. The Government has also committed nearly $450 million to fund the construction or refurbishment of over 160 police stations and residences across the state, in Victoria’s largest ever police station building program.

The Government’s additional support to Victoria Police is showing good results. Victoria’s crime rate has fallen 25.5 per cent since 2000-01, with Victoria being the safest state in Australia.

However, the fight against crime is ongoing. That is why at the last election the Government committed to a further increase of 350 sworn police by 2010, as well as an additional 50 forensic and specialist investigators. On 9 August 2009 the Premier announced new funding of $50 million for the recruitment of an additional 120 police to boost police capacity to target street crime hot spots and alcohol related violence.

Decisions on the placement of police throughout the state are operational matters and are made by police command on the basis of assessed need. It is important that this process is not subject to political interference. I am assured by the Chief Commissioner of Police that the level of policing across Victoria is continuously monitored by the respective Regional Command Officers, with a view to maintaining optimum policing effectiveness.

Victoria Police deploys first response police across its 56 Police Service Areas using a sophisticated resource allocation model incorporating 12 characteristics of the local community that are used to predict levels of crime and road trauma; the population of an area is just one of these. Victoria Police uses this model to ensure that police resources are distributed equitably and according to demonstrated operational need.

Late last year, Victoria Police conducted a review of police services in the Ashburton area, entitled “Operation Harmony”. This review found that few people accessed the Ashburton Police Station and police officers were performing mostly administrative duties. After consultation with the community, police decided to continue to open the station between 10am and 4pm every weekday police also introduced an extra patrol car to the area which is now serving Ashburton and Glen Iris 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For local residents, this means more police out on the beat and ready to respond at all times of the day.

Victoria Police crime statistics show that between 2007-08 and 2008-09, the crime rate in the City of Boroondara fell by 4.1 per cent. This continues a long-term trend of a falling crime rate in Boroondara, which is 35.8 percent



lower in 2008-09 than it was in 2000-01. This reduction in crime is a good sign these arrangements are working and achieving Victoria Police aims.

I trust this information is of assistance and thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention.

Consumer affairs: residential parks

Raised with: Minister for Consumer Affairs



REPLY:

I refer to the matter raised by you during the debate of 16 September 2009.

There has been a very positive response from the sector for a review of the tenancy policy framework for residential parks. Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has received over 300 submissions in response to Options Paper: Tenancy Policy Framework for Residential Parks (‘Options Paper’) from residents in residential parks, and approximately 20 submissions from industry, advocacy organisations, Members of Parliament and interested individuals.

Key stakeholders who made a submission include the Housing for the Aged Action Group (as noted), Tenants’ Union of Victoria, Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Victorian Caravan Parks Association and Council on the Ageing.

The Brumby Government is committed to providing a legislative framework that will provide protection for the tenancy rights and interests of residents, and will recognise the legitimate interests of park owners and operators. Subsequent to the Options Paper, CAV is conducting a Business Impact Assessment to consider the options informed by the submissions to-date. Any legislative reform options will be included in a submission to the Social Development Committee of Cabinet.

Thank you for raising this matter with me.

Gaming: Echuca Workers and Services Club

Raised with: Minister for Gaming

Raised by: Mr Drum


REPLY:

The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation (the VCGR) was required to determine the maximum number of gaming machine entitlements (entitlements) that will be made available to eligible clubs under the Pre-Auction Club Offer when it is made, and to determine the price payable for entitlements.

When calculating the price that would be payable for each entitlement that may be offered to a club under the Club Offer, the VCGR applied the rules specified in the Determination of Gaming Machine Entitlement Allocation and Transfer Rules set by the Minister for Gaming on 17 August 2009.

The Echuca Workers & Service Club Ltd (the Club) was notified of the VCGR’s decision with respect to the determination and calculation of the price of entitlements.



The Club wrote to the VCGR in late August claiming that the price per entitlement set by the VCGR was too high as it did not take into account an anomalous inflation in gaming expenditure for the 2008-2009 financial year due to increased patronage from the temporary closure of a nearby gaming venue. The Club requested that the VCGR amend the price payable for each entitlement to $30,000 instead of $35,292.98 for each of the first 20 entitlements and $33,333 instead of $39,214.42 for each of the second 20.

The VCGR has no mechanism or discretion to alter the determinations and calculations of the number of entitlements and the price per entitlement other than in accordance with the Rules and, therefore, applied the Rules exactly and fairly when making determinations.

As such, even if it were to consider the information provided by a club to have merit, the VCGR has no discretion but must base its price calculation on the total annual gaming machine expenditure for the Club for the 2008-09 financial year as per Rule 10.

On this basis the Commission determined that the determination and calculations provided in the Pre-Auction Club Offer Information Pack to the Club must stand. Written notification of the VCGR’s decision was sent to the Club on 9 September 2009.

Clubs entitled to the Pre-Auction Club Offer have the choice of either accepting the full offer, accepting part of the offer or rejecting the offer. The decision to fully accept the offer, to accept a portion of the offer or reject the Pre-Auction Club Offer is a business decision for each club.

Whichever option a club chooses, it can still participate in the Gaming Auction to bid for some, all, or additional numbers of entitlements.

Shire of Gannawarra: swimming pools

Raised with: Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs

Raised by: Ms Darveniza

Raised on: 15 October 2009

REPLY:

Gannawarra Shire Council’s application for the Kerang and Koondrook Pool Renewal project has been received under the Victorian Government’s 2010/2011 round of the Community Facilities Funding Program-Seasonal Pool Renewal category.

Applications are currently under assessment. I intend making announcements for successful projects shortly.

Your support for the proposed project has been noted and will be taken into consideration.


Wednesday, 11 November 2009 COUNCIL 5487



Wednesday, 11 November 2009

Disability services: supported accommodation

Raised with: Minister for Community Services

Raised by: Mrs Kronberg

Raised on: 3 December 2008

REPLY:

Information to the Adjournment debate matter raised by Mrs Kronberg on 3 December 2008 was provided in correspondence dated 2 March 2009 and sent directly to Ms Kronberg.

Contact details were provided to Ms Kronberg for the constituent to contact a Departmental representative in the Eastern Metropolitan Region Disability Client Services should they wish to discuss their situation further.

Information provide to Ms Kronberg on 2 March 2009:

The statewide vacancy coordination process for Shared Supported Accommodation vacancies involves the consideration of all people on the Disability Support Register. Whilst ‘Priority Status’ means that the client now receives priority consideration for all suitable vacancies, the client was actively considered for vacancies prior to the change in status in September 2008.

I appreciate the difficulties that the constituent is experiencing and am advised that Disability Client Services in the Eastern Metropolitan Region continue to work with the client and the family to ensure they are offered all available resources until suitable accommodation becomes available.

I am informed that a Departmental representative from Disability Client Services at Eastern Metropolitan Region had met with the family to review the clients Individual Support Package to ensure they are aware of all respite and recreational services available to provide a break from their caring role.

I am also informed that Eastern Metropolitan Region Disability Client Services have continued to work with the family to assist in improving flexibility within the Individual Support Package. This includes a single point of support coordination. Eastern Metropolitan Region Disability Client Services are currently working with the family to replace the client’s wheelchair and will make a contribution to the gap funding required (post the Aids & Equipment Program).

Bushfires: fuel reduction

Raised with: Minister for Environment and Climate Change

Raised by: Mrs Petrovich


REPLY:

The Victorian Government recently announced changes including additional funding to enable the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to reduce fuel on roadside reserves through planned burns. The CFA — in consultation with road


5488 COUNCIL Wednesday, 11 November 2009

management authorities (local councils or VicRoads) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) — will select roadside reserves to burn based on fire risk. These priorities will include areas identified in Township Protection Plans for the 52 high fire danger risk towns throughout Victoria.

In addition, the public will be able to remove firewood from these roadside reserves two weeks prior to planned burns being undertaken. The areas where firewood can be collected will be signed, advertising the collection period. The changes will be reassessed within 12 months, once the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission has delivered its final report.

Bridges: Barwon Heads


Raised by: Mr Koch


REPLY:

In response to your concern that government appointed bodies acquit their responsibilities, I advise you that the functions of the Victorian Coastal Council as detailed in Section 8 of the Coastal Management Act 1995.

These functions are summarised as:

– undertaking statewide strategic coastal planning including preparation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy.

– providing advice to the Minister on a range of coastal planning, management and administration matters including coastal development proposals.

– facilitating the operation of Regional Coastal Boards

– monitoring development of Coastal Action Plans

– coordinating implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy and Coastal Action Plans

– publishing guidelines for planning and managing the coast

– encouraging cooperation across the layers of government, industry and the community regarding coastal management and planning

– informing the public about the Council’s activities

– encouraging volunteers on the coast and

– considering the needs of Aborigines and other interested groups in relation to the coast

The Victorian Coastal Council considers coastal development from a statewide perspective. The Victorian Coastal Council has in this matter acted in accordance with its legislated role.

On the matter of further scrutiny of environmental considerations of the bridge project before works proceed, I confirm all State and Commonwealth approvals for the Barwon Heads Bridge Project are now complete, and works are under way.

The use of preserved timber piles in the marine environment was carefully considered along with the range of environmental considerations for the whole project. The use of timber piles to reconstruct the existing timber heritage listed bridge is a requirement of the permit issued by Heritage Victoria under the Heritage Act 1995. The project will use piles chemically treated to the appropriate Australian Standard for marine environments, to ensure an adequate and safe service life for the bridge.

Western Hospital: disrepair






REPLY:

This Brumby Government has invested in substantial improvements and expansion of hospital services in Footscray and the Western Suburbs.

In 2006 the Government allocated $24.8 million for the stage 1 redevelopment of Western Hospital. These funds provided for the upgrade of four inpatient wards and engineering infrastructure upgrades at Western Hospital. The first ward refurbishment was completed in October 2008. I visited Western Hospital on the 20th October 2009, to inspect the completed works.

In addition, the Government has committed $184 million for the redevelopment of Sunshine Hospital. Of this amount, $20 million was allocated in the 2007-08 Budget to upgrade Sunshine Hospital’s Central Sterilising Supply Department and Maternity Ward. Funding of $73.5 million was allocated in the 2008-09 Budget for a new four bunker radiotherapy facility, a new Teaching, Training and Research facility and upgrade of the Emergency Department at Sunshine Hospital.

Western Health has benefited from a massive 148 per cent funding boost since 1999, with its recent budget totalling $378 million in the 2009-10 financial year.

Mount Martha: beach renourishment




REPLY:

The Mount Martha North Beach has been steadily eroding over recent years. Since 2000, the beach has suffered significant sand losses resulting in bathing boxes and other infrastructure being damaged by wave attack and coastal erosion.

In January 2007, the Mount Martha North Beach Group employed the services of a coastal engineer to analyse the coastal processes and recommend options to reinstate the beach. The consultant’s final recommendations included:

– relocation of 10,000m³ of sand from Mount Martha South Beach to Mount Martha North Beach; and

– construction of a 40 metre rock groyne to halt the northerly migrating sand and retain the sand in front of the bathing boxes.

While groynes are a proven coastal protection option, inappropriately designed and sited groynes can cause further erosion. Independent engineering advice to DSE concluded that there may be other coastal protection options more suitable for Mount Martha North Beach.

As a result, DSE will continue to work with the group and stakeholders to discuss alternative options for improving the public safety and amenity of Mount Martha North Beach.

On 25 and 26 April 2009, a severe storm event caused widespread damage to infrastructure along the eastern coastline of Port Phillip Bay. To ensure damaged assets are quickly repaired and to ensure public safety, DSE has prioritised the emergency storm damage repairs above the Mount Martha North Beach restoration works.

Option development such as offshore breakwaters and protective structures for Mount Martha North Beach will recommence in October 2009.



Water: charges

Raised with: Minister for Water



REPLY:

Consumption-based charges, as you have rightly observed, are meant to encourage households to reduce their consumption as much as possible, and are therefore an important component of the tariff structure.

However, the cost of maintaining the infrastructure for storing, treating and delivering water to a particular household remains the same regardless of how much water residents actually use. This is why service charges are fixed, so that the water supply infrastructure can be maintained and upgraded as necessary.

In its recent pricing decision, the Essential Services Commission (ESC) indicated that metropolitan water corporations need to rebalance their tariffs to better reflect their cost structures by having a higher proportion of costs recovered from consumption based charges.

The Government also notes that in this pricing decision, the ESC found that there is significant community support for this rebalancing since it will give customers greater control over their water bills and stronger incentives to use water in a sustainable way.

The ESC has determined that, for the three retailers, variable water usage charges will increase by 20 per cent in 2009-10 and by a total of 73 per cent over the four year regulatory period. Fixed water charges will increase by significantly less–by 32 per cent for City West Water, 38 per cent for South East Water and 58 per cent for Yarra Valley Water over the four year period.

Roads: emergency repairs


Raised by: Mr Vogels


REPLY:

I am informed that, as at the date the question was raised:

Section 63(1) of the Road Management Act 2004 (the Act) provides that a person must not conduct any works in, on, under or over a road without the written consent of the coordinating road authority to the conduct of the proposed works. Section 63(2)(e) then provides that works “conducted in an emergency” by, or with the authority of, the relevant infrastructure manager (eg a water authority), are exempt from the consent requirements.

As noted in the burst water main example, the focus in an emergency is for the responsible utility infrastructure manager to make the site safe, notify the coordinating road authority as soon as reasonably practicable where the emergency affects the safe operation of the road, and undertake temporary works to reinstate any services where possible, including temporary reinstatement of the roadway for traffic. Final, or permanent, reinstatement works may not be planned until some time in the future and are then not regarded as works “conducted in an emergency”, and should not, therefore, be exempt from the consent requirements of the Act.

While the Act, or the Code of Practice for the Management of Infrastructure in Road Reserves (the Code), do not set out a process for the conduct of permanent reinstatement works resulting from an emergency, but consistent with the interpretation above that such works are not “conducted in an emergency” (or form part of an emergency response to an incident), it is considered appropriate and good practice that the responsible utility infrastructure



manager apply to the coordinating road authority for consent to conduct permanent reinstatement works. The consent application (including the payment of the appropriate application fee) will enable the coordinating road authority to assess the proposed works and impose any necessary conditions dealing with such matters as the timing of the works, the applicable standards associated with the reinstatement of the road pavement, pathway or other road infrastructure, and any special traffic (including public transport) management requirements. Given that the road authority is ultimately responsible for the road asset, it is important that it have input into the standards of reinstatement to be undertaken.

The post-notification requirements as set out in the Act and Code will apply to both the completion of the emergency works and the permanent reinstatement works.

Parks Victoria: Chewton resident


Raised by: Mr Drum


REPLY:

The house at 44 Adelaide Street Chewton adjoins the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park (CDNHP) and is owned by Mr & Mrs Thomas who have only recently moved back into the house despite owning the property for a considerable time.

Mr & Mrs Thomas believe the overhanging branches from two pine trees and one gum tree that grow just inside CDNHP adjoining their property present a risk to themselves and their assets.

The trees have been assessed by several experienced fire-fighters as presenting no fire risk to the Thomas’ house.

Parks Victoria staff initially advised Mr Thomas that if he were concerned about the risk associated with the trees in relation to his property, permission will be given for him to remove them at cost. This advice is consistent with the State Government’s 10/30 rule for perceived and real fire risk from vegetation close to private property.

Parks Victoria has had the situation assessed by qualified fire management staff who advised the safest method of treatment is to use a ‘cherry picker’ to undertake the required work to either fell or prune the offending branches and limbs.

It has been determined that his work will be scheduled for implementation with in the next week.

Children: early childhood services

Raised with: Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development

Raised by: Ms Tierney


REPLY:

I am informed as follows:

I refer to your request raised during the Adjournment Debate on 14 October 2009 about Early Childhood Intervention Services places in Barwon South-Western Region.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that all children can participate in high quality early childhood services and to provide extra support and early intervention where needed. The government shares a commitment



and responsibility with families, communities and early childhood intervention services to give young children with disability or developmental delay the best possible start in life.

As you are aware, the 2008-09 State Budget provided $23.9 million over four years for the allocation of an additional 1000 Early Childhood Intervention Services places to be created over two years. Phase one (500 places) was implemented in 2008-09 and phase two (an additional 500 places) has been implemented with effect from 1 October 2009.

In allocating new places to regions, the department took into consideration the spread of existing resources compared to regional 0-6 populations and waiting time in each region to access services. Based on this analysis, Barwon South-Western Region received 20 places in phase one and a further 20 places in phase two. Selected providers in phase one were Noah’s Ark Inc (6 places), Scope (4 places), Gateways Support Services (4 places) and Mpower Inc (6 places). Phase two selected providers are Mpower Inc (8 places), Gateways Support Services (6 places) and Scope Victoria Limited (6 places).

The 2009-10 State Budget has committed an additional $5 million over four years to strengthen the quality of ECIS across Victoria. This includes funding for the development of a quality assurance framework incorporating program standards, best practice guidelines and an evaluation and monitoring system. This framework will be the foundation of a stronger and more effective ECIS system and will support future efforts to build the capacity of ECIS providers.

Disabilities services: Western Victoria Region

Raised with: Minister for Community Services

Raised by: Mr Koch


REPLY:

This Government has put in place a number of key measures to strengthen the financial sustainability of Victorian disability service providers.

In the current financial year, agencies providing in-home support services have been provided with $9 million in funding for a price increase, in addition to annual indexation funding.

In August 2008, the Department engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to undertake a review of out-of-home service costs and prices. The findings have now been made public for information and discussion.

These findings will be considered in the context of future budget deliberations, having regard also to the industry assistance initiatives which this Government has already put in place, including an additional $3 million provided in the current budget ($12.48 million over four years) to assist Day Services providers to transition to more flexible individualised funding models with a particular emphasis on systems and information technology development. $3 million also provided in 2008-09 to support the industry in moving to more self-directed approaches and $4 million for infrastructure improvements.

This assistance was in addition to the $15 million allocated in 2006-07 to support community services to upgrade amenities and accommodation standards.

Annual price indexation has also been provided to community service organisations through the Department’s service agreement system.

The Department indexed agency prices at 2.9 per cent over the three years to 2008-09. The Department’s indexation agreement with agencies also included safety net provisions. In addition, community service organisations were provided with a Sector Capacity Building Fund of $6 million over the three years.



The indexation rate for 2009-10 and the following two years has been increased to 3.14 per cent, with capacity-building grants of $2 million each year for three years also being provided.

The Victorian Council of Social Services has welcomed the additional indexation and capacity building investment and noted that the funding would provide some certainty for agencies in uncertain economic times and would “go some way towards alleviating the immediate financial pressures facing community organisations”.

The Department is also continuing to engage with the sector on these price and cost issues.

Sewerage: Gordon

Raised with: Minister for Water

Raised by: Mr Vogels


REPLY:

Central Highlands Water (CHW) has designed the capacity for the proposed sewerage scheme in Gordon based on historical growth, Victoria in Future (Victorian Government population forecasts) and current council plans that provide for the number of connections in Gordon doubling over the 25 year design life of the system.

When the capacity of the system is reached it can be extended. The cost of this upgrade will need to be allocated between developers and CHW’s customers in accordance with regulatory pricing principles as determined by the Essential Services Commission and applicable at the time.

Racing: Casterton


Raised by: Mr Koch


REPLY:

I am informed that negotiations in this matter are continuing. I have also received correspondence from Dr. Denis Napthine MP concerning the relationship between the Casterton Racing Club and the Committee of Management of the Casterton Racecourse Reserve to which I have replied.

Staff from The Department of Sustainability and Environment have been involved in meetings with Racing Victoria and the Committee of Management. Two meetings were held on the 21st October 2009 —

– The first was a meeting between Racing Victoria Limited Staff from Integrity Services, and Casterton Racing Club Administration Manager and Club President.

– The second meeting was between Racing Victoria Limited Staff Integrity Services and the Secretary and Chairperson of the Casterton Race Course Reserve Committee of Management.

The agenda for both meetings was to discuss current and past issues and to explore possible resolutions to those issues. The meetings also canvassed the possibility of the grant of a licence from the committee of management to the Casterton Racing Club. The issue of a licence would certainly clarify the responsibilities of both parties and would provide for cooperative management arrangements into the future. I do not wish to pre-empt the outcome of this process.



It is anticipated that there will be further meetings between the parties to finalise future tenancy arrangements. and to ensure that the needs of all parties are met.

I understand that the Secretary of the Committee of Management has been in contact with you to explain the Committee’s views.

I understand that the committee is managing the Reserve within its capacity and that the outcomes of the ongoing discussions will improve both management and relationships between the parties.


Thursday, 12 November 2009 COUNCIL 5495



Thursday, 12 November 2009

Manufacturing: defence tender

Raised with: Minister for Industry and Trade

Raised by: Mr Rich-Phillips


REPLY:

In June 2009, the Commonwealth Department of Defence invited proposals from local industry for the development of an Australian light protected mobility vehicle. It is expected that this process will result in Defence funding up to two local prototypes that will be tested against vehicles developed under the US Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program which has also received funding from Defence.

It is understood that the Department of Defence expects that successful respondents will have demonstrated a superior high-end manufacturing and project management capability and a proven ability to deliver complex technological solutions within time and financial constraints. This may prove difficult for independent SMEs to achieve, however all indications are that there will be valuable opportunities for SMEs to integrate into the supply chain of any successful major defence prime. To that end, the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development’s Defence Industry Unit (DIU) has hosted two industry briefings where major Defence primes provided information on their supply chain opportunities and sought expressions of interest from SMEs.

In response to your adjournment debate, I understand an officer from the DIU met with Mr Voysey’s group to offer guidance in relation to their submission as well as information on other supply chain opportunities. The Department of Defence has also confirmed that all proposals will be considered and that a decision is expected from the Commonwealth Government by the end of March 2010.

Youth: hospitality industry training

Raised with: Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation

Raised by: Mrs Coote


REPLY:

This matter does not fall with in the responsibility of my portfolio and should be referred to the Minister for Education.

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