THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT

WELCOME

Did you know that criminals in prison can sue the Government for compensation? In some cases, criminals have been awarded over $130,000. When this happens, victims of the crime have a right to make a claim against those funds. We tried to change the law this week to improve the notification process for victims. In a close vote we didn't get it across the line, but will continue fighting for changes to victim compensation.

Parts of the east coast are battling extreme bushfires. Thanks to the CFA crews from across the state that have dropped everything to join the efforts. Victoria is heading into our own fire season and we are very concerned that fuel loads in some of our regions are back to pre-Black Saturday levels.

Other news from last week in Parliament below. Have a great week.

- Tania

Link to speech

Fighting for Victim Compensation

As mentioned above, last week we tried to make changes to the process for victims access to the Prisoners Compensation Quarantine Fund. Some prisoners in Victoria are receiving substantial compensation payouts from taxpayers for incidents in jail, with no automatic responsibility on the Government to notify victims of their potential right to claim a share of these payments. I highlighted the differences between financial assistance to victims, which averages less than $8,000 per victim, in comparison to some cases where criminals have been awarded well over $130,000. We had strong support from the Coalition and the overwhelming majority of the cross-bench; in a very tight vote of 19-20 the amendments did not pass. We'll continue to fight the good fight.

Remembrance Day 2019

It was a privilege to attend the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Shrine in Melbourne. May we never forget the sacrifice of our service men and women, past, present and future and thank you to all who have served. Lest we forget.

Native Timber Industry

I am concerned about the economic, environmental and social outcomes of changes to the forest industry, especially in rural communities where job losses will be keenly felt. There are strong arguments that the current industry is already sustainable, plus minimal information so far on the Government's transition package.

Link to media

SPEECHES IN PARLIAMENT

VCE Subjects At TAFE

Students who have completed VCE sometimes need to repeat or study a singular VCE subject the following year(s) in order to satisfy university entry requirements or for employment. In regional Victoria we have higher rates of youth unemployment, limited public transport and the tyranny of distance to further complicate access. I asked what the Government is doing to address this need.

Link to speech

PANDA Week

PANDA is an acronym for Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness and, in 2019, the theme is “let’s get real. The reality is that perinatal anxiety and depression are common and serious, affecting up to one in five new or expecting mothers and one in ten new fathers. It is an issue near and dear to my heart and I spoke about PANDA in Parliament this week. www.panda.org.au

Link to speech

Bushfire Fuel Loads

The intensity of bushfire increases as a result of fuel loads and the Government's own advice is that "we can significantly reduce risk through fuel management in remote areas". There are mounting concerns about the fuel loads in Northern Victoria, with reports in some areas that they are back to pre-Black Saturday levels. Of further concern is the Government's reluctance to publicly release data.

Link to speech

Yarrawonga/Mulwala Bridge

I hope the State will join with the Federal Government and local councils to progress funding for a new Yarrawong/Mulwala bridge crossing. The route is determined, what is needed now is a shared commitment to funding. With metro projects aplenty, why not a few more regional?

Link to speech

Fundraising for Veterans

In 2018 Kevin Sheedy floated the idea for a state-approved Anzac Day lottery to run alongside the annual AFL Anzac match. The concept has potential to raise millions for veterans and the Government took my point in supporting other ways to assist veterans. I look forward to further discussions on this idea.

Link to speech

Working with Children Checks

Recent reports that a convicted sex offender infiltrated a junior Australian Rules club under a false name and the guise of a sponsorship are deeply concerning. I am seeking a meeting with the Attorney-General to discuss ways to tighten the system and find ways to further improve safety. Sex offenders will be as sneaky as they need to be and will exploit vulnerabilities in systems where they can, so we need to be one step ahead.

Fabrics of Yarrunga

I had the absolute pleasure to attend the Fabrics of Yarrunga exhibition, a partnership between Yarrunga Primary School and Wangaratta Art Gallery. Yarrunga Primary School encourages students to have big ideas, to wonder and be curious. Their unique style of curriculum engagement that has improved student attendance, behaviour and results. I was so honoured that the Grade One / Two class tuned in to hear my speech in Parliament. The exhibition runs until 8 December.

Link to speech

BILLS DEBATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Building Amendment (Cladding Rectification) Bill 2019 (passed)
State Taxation Acts Further Amendment Bill 2019 (passed)
Justice Legislation Amendment (Serious Offenders and Other Matters) Bill 2019 (passed)
Justice Legislation Amendment (Criminal Appeals) Bill 2019 (passed)
Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Amendment Bill 2019 (Private Members Bill - no vote)
Planning and Environment Amendment (Local Democracy) 2019 (Private Members Bill - defeated)

World Kindness Day! (13 Nov)

Kindness makes us feel loved, helps us relate to other people and have more positive relationships with friends, family, and even perfect strangers we encounter in our daily lives. Besides just improving personal relationships, kindness can actually make you healthier.