No Images? Click here THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENTWELCOMEAnother full week in Parliament last week, with four bills being debated through the Council, plus numerous motions and procedural matters. The Legal and Social Issues Committee (of which I am a member) is now taking submissions and we are planning public hearings for the Homelessness Inquiry. I am advocating for a number of these to be held in Northern Victoria to ensure the additional barriers which regions face are acknowledged and understood. Last week I met with the Cross Border Commissioner, Luke Wilson. We had a very fruitful discussion about the challenges duplicated across multiple borders, in relation to industry, health, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), family violence and other issues. The Commissioner welcomes direct contact from stakeholders and individuals, and if you experience issues please contact his office or mine so we can bang the drum and look at sensible solutions. I look forward to working with him on areas of shared interest. This week we have moved into our electorate office in Wangaratta, after nine months of working from kitchen tables and makeshift home offices! Our contact details are at the bottom of this newsletter. You don't need to be in Wangaratta to make contact - phone, email, social media, please be sure to keep in touch. - Tania BILLS DEBATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Children Legislation Amendment BillI have always been a very strong advocate for the protection of children. Whilst I respect people’s religion and beliefs, I also respect the needs of children first and foremost. They must be protected at every opportunity. I believe that we should all stand in solidarity to protect children from abuse and ensure that we take a personal oath to speak up to prevent unspeakable acts being inflicted on our children. Our children do not have a voice to be able to protect themselves, and it is up to every one of us as adults to protect and support those children and to be their voice. SPEECHES IN PARLIAMENTQuestion Without Notice – Millewa DroughtMy question was to the Minister for Agriculture, Ms Symes. I am pleased the Government has acknowledged the plight of the Millewa community in North-West Victoria and the desperation of farmers affected by the crippling successive droughts there. I asked the Minister if she could provide clarification on how much money is still available to assist the Millewa community and what ongoing support will be available. Adjournment - Contraband in PrisonsMy adjournment matter was for the Minister for Corrections. It follows the recent release of the latest Drugs in Victorian Prisons report. For the year to June, seizures of contraband in Victorian prisons amounted to over 750 litres of alcohol, around 900 edged weapons, 360 syringes and needles, and nearly 2000 hits of a heroin replacement drug. It is completely unacceptable that drugs and contraband find their way into prisons. Members Statement – Paula Allen, Blue Ribbon AwardLeading Senior Sergeant Paula Allen, Youth Resource Officer with Victoria Police in Benalla, has been named the Blue Ribbon Foundation Police Officer of the Year for 2019. I am very proud to know Paula. She has always shown great personal dedication to her community, particularly school students. This caring nature, commitment and responsibility to provide support to those in need has gained her enormous respect in the community. Her genuine care helps keep people safe and helps keep young people out of the justice system, and it is reflected in the award she has received. Adjournment - Access to Mental Health ServicesThe Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) report into ‘Access to Mental Health Services’ concluded that DHHS had ‘done little to address the imbalance between demand for, and supply of, mental health services in Victoria’. The report identified significant staffing challenges in regional and rural areas and the absence of well-targeted evaluation measures and mechanisms. DHHS released a new, 10-year mental health plan in late 2015 but I am concerned there is little by way of improvements as a result of the strategy and asked for a detailed update from the Minister. TONGALA NESTLÉ FACTORY CLOSUREThe closure of the Nestlé factory in Tongala will ultimately lead to 106 local people being made redundant. The announcement by Nestlé comes in the midst of Tongala’s continued exposure to many ongoing and severe difficulties as a result of downturns in the dairy industry. This week I asked the Minister for Regional Development what actions the Government is taking to directly assist the people of Tongala. PANDA WEEK 10th - 16th November 2019Perinatal anxiety and depression is a serious and common illness. Up to one in five expecting or new mothers and one in ten expecting or new fathers will experience it. The illness affects around 100,000 families across Australia every year. It’s important for expecting and new parents who are worried about their emotional and mental well being to seek support. They can speak with a trusted health professional such as a doctor or family health nurse, or call PANDA’s free National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline. 1300 726 306 9am – 7.30pm Mon-Fri COBRAM CRIME FORUMOPEN TO THE PUBLICI am hosting a forum for all my constituents living in Cobram and surrounding areas. The Crime Forum, on Thursday 19th September, will be held at the Cobram Italian Social Club. This is a great opportunity for my constituents living in the region to discuss any concerns in relation to crime and for me to meet locals and hear their views on this subject. Anyone can register their interest to attend through the eventbrite.com.au website (search for Cobram Crime Forum) or by calling our office number on 03 4700 1787. ****OFFICE OPEN*****from Monday 16th SeptemberUnit 2, 27-29 Faithfull St, WangarattaPhone: 03 4700 1787 |