No images? Click here NEWSLETTEREmergency Sitting of Parliament EditionWe've been rocked by the deaths of four serving members of Victoria Police in horrific circumstances last week. My heart breaks for their families, friends and colleagues. My thoughts are with all members of the Victoria Police force, particularly those required to attend the scene of this tragedy. I thank our police for their courage, strength and determination whilst on duty each day as they selflessly work to keep us all safe. Parliament resumed on Thursday for a one-day emergency sitting, where Bills were passed to allow Government services to continue to operate during the coronavirus pandemic. There were variations to how the chamber operated, with many speeches 'tabled' instead of being read out, so that the Council could expedite proceedings. I am pleased the Parliament has been able to negotiate a scheduled resumption of normal sittings from 2 June. This will be contingent on the continued positive path of case numbers of coronavirus. It is important that Parliament is able to provide proper oversight and accountability, particularly in these uncertain times during which the Government has additional and sweeping powers. In the meantime, I continue to liaise with communities across Northern Victoria as they respond to the pandemic to ensure we have the services in place and that people can access essential goods and services. This includes scrutiny of our justice system - we cannot allow this period to be an excuse or opportunity for some to relax bail and parole conditions for violent and serious offenders. - Tania CONDOLENCESI send my sincere condolences to the families of the four serving Victoria Police members who tragically lost their lives in the horrific accident on the Eastern Freeway last week. My thoughts are not only with their families and friends, but with all members of the Victoria Police Force, particularly those who were required to attend the scene of the tragedy. To the Major Collision Investigation Unit, my thoughts are with you all. This must be an incredibly difficult time for you to be required to investigate the deaths of your own members. The anguish is further compounded by the horrendous behaviour of the Porsche driver involved. This will be extremely traumatising for all concerned. I hope that the relevant supports are available at this time to provide ongoing counselling, or whatever both members and families of Victoria Police need, to get through this time of grief. To all members of Victoria Police, I thank you for your courage, strength and determination to do your job each and every day. You are extremely valuable members of our society who continue to protect us as you selflessly attend your job to keep us safe. ANZAC DAY 2020ANZAC Day was done very differently this year from my driveway, but it was heartwarming to see the involvement from people across Australia from their own homes, reflecting and giving thanks to all who have served us. Lest We Forget. COVID-19 OMNIBUS BILLThe Omnibus Bill that passed Parliament this week provides sweeping powers to the Government in response to coronavirus. The majority of reforms will sunset in six months. The Bill included the following key changes, among others: SPEECHES IN PARLIAMENTMaintaining community safetyI asked the Attorney-General if she would direct judges and magistrates not to use coronavirus as grounds for preventing custodial sentences or adjourning cases. We've seen cases where the courts have allowed serious offenders to 'walk free' on the basis of supposedly high likelihood of COVID-19 outbreaks in prison and what they call 'burdensome' conditions. To date, there have been no recorded cases of the virus in the prison system and, with the strict protocols in place, it's hard to imagine a place in Victoria where you're less likely to contract COVID-19 than a correctional facility. COVID-19 Omnibus BillIn my speech on this Bill that was tabled to the Parliament, I noted the importance of ensuring the justice system remains as functional as possible. The use of electronic monitoring is something we've already been looking at closely; I've visited Tasmania last year, for instance, specifically to investigate how they use electronic monitoring and the opportunities that might exist along similar lines for Victoria. There are critical questions around how they can be used on serious offenders to protect our community. Most troubling to me at present are the new provisions relating to bail and I'll be watching their implementation closely. Court delays as a result of COVID-19 are no reason to relax conditions on those accused of serious violent offences. Monitoring of sex offendersThe reality is that sex offenders who complete their sentences are released into our communities to reintegrate. Some move forward and don't re-offend, but others despicably use their freedom and anonymity to continue to prey on people, including young children. Sex offenders shouldn't live in close proximity to schools, to be able to change their name or to work where children are present. Keeping students engagedLong before the COVID-19 restrictions confined people to their homes, low educational participation or attachment was already prevalent, with around one in four students in regional areas in Australia already absent for at least 10% of the normal school year. There is a clear connection between school disengagement and many other problems, including youth and adult crime. Managing COVID-19 is complex but I believe the pandemic (and our nation's response to it) will be exacerbating these issues even more widely. BILLS DEBATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL-Appropriation (Interim) Bill 2020 - PASSED -Appropriation (Parliament) (Interim) Bill 2020 - PASSED -COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Bill 2020 – PASSED -State Taxation Acts Amendment (Relief Measures) Bill 2020 - PASSED |