Displaying entire debate (unless interrupted by other business)

Ms SULEYMAN (St Albans) — On Sunday, 26 July, the Greek Orthodox community of St Albans held its annual St Paraskevi festival. The festival was very popular. There were food stalls and live Greek music and performances. The Greek community is an integral part of the west. I commend the Greek Orthodox community of St Albans on another successful event this year.

Ms SULEYMAN — On another matter, the Andrews Labor government recently announced that expressions of interest are now open to appoint a builder for the new women's and children's hospital in Sunshine. The new $200 million women's and children's hospital in the heart of the St Albans electorate will not only provide vital services but also create jobs in the west. It is a fitting tribute that the hospital will be named after the late former Premier Joan Kirner, a champion of the west and women's rights.

Ms SULEYMAN — On another matter, over the weekend the demolition works at the Main Road level crossing in St Albans were completed, making way for the removal of this level crossing. Today I note there was an information session held for locals, and I understand there has been huge community support for the Main Road and Furlong Road level crossing at Cairnlea. I am proud to be part of the Andrews Labor government. We are getting on with delivering for the people of the west.

Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) — On Thursday, 13 August, I had the pleasure of hosting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs at the Jewish Holocaust museum and research centre in my electorate of Caulfield. The minister's visit followed the adjournment matter I raised on 26 May requesting that he join me for a tour of the centre and meet with its leadership group to discuss the possibility of assisting with its redevelopment.

In the 2014 state election campaign the Victorian coalition committed $500 000 to assist with the redevelopment of the centre — a commitment I would like to see receive bipartisan support. The redevelopment would include new classrooms, a display for middle school students, an upgrade of the main auditorium and the commemorative and contemplative places and an additional facility for temple exhibitions.

The centre runs many programs for schools and plays an important role in teaching students about the hardships endured by Jews during such a dark time in human history. The centre has over 30 Holocaust survivors. They actively volunteer in programs, and students are able to listen to their stories. There has been a significant increase in student visitation in recent times, with 20 000 students from over 750 schools across Victoria visiting annually. I thank the minister for his visit and offer him all the bipartisan support he needs to ensure that Labor delivers funding for the Melbourne Holocaust centre.

Mr SOUTHWICK — I would like also to congratulate the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) for voting in its plenum on 3 August in support of the affiliation of Keshet Australia, JCCV's first GLBTI affiliate. I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to JCCV members, including their president Jonathan Barnett, on this historic moment. This is the first time a GLBTI organisation has joined a Jewish community roof body in Australia and one of the few that has done so around the world. It is fitting that it happened on the JCCV's — —

The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Angus) — Order! The member's time has expired.

Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — I rise to pay tribute to all the clubs that have had a great season in the Northern Football League juniors competitions. A number of the clubs I am very close to and sponsor had a very successful weekend. Firstly, I congratulate the Yarrambat Junior Football Club, which won three flags on the weekend. The under-13 Green team defeated Laurimar; the under-12 Blue team defeated Montmorency, the old Magpies enemy; and the under-11 Silver team defeated West Ivanhoe. I ought to have had a bet on that with the member for Ivanhoe, who sits next to me in this place. I look forward to catching up with the Yarrambat Junior Football Club members at their presentation afternoon this Saturday. They fielded 12 juniors teams and that is a great effort.

I also congratulate the Whittlesea Junior Football Club. Its under-17 team defeated Epping's under-17 Red team. The Diamond Creek under-15 girls team also defeated Epping. Mernda Junior Football Club had a win, defeating Epping's under-12 Red team. I should mention also that Whittlesea had a win, with its under-12 Green team defeating Bundoora.

Congratulations also to the runner-up teams, the Whittlesea — —

The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Angus) — Order! The member's time has expired.

Mr NORTHE (Morwell) — I want to acknowledge participants in the Latrobe youth council and note their attendance at Parliament today. It is terrific that we have young members of our community who are prepared to be a voice and advocate for youth. Congratulations to Daniel, Tearna, Samantha, Christopher, Kristen, Joshua, Gregory, Brodie, Nyalat and Maneesha for your efforts and contribution to this important program.

Mr NORTHE — On Sunday I attended the Traralgon branch of the Cancer Council Victoria's annual high afternoon tea fundraiser at the Premiere Function Centre in Traralgon. The event has been running for five years and aims to raise money for cancer research. Approximately $25 000 was raised on the day, with 360 guests in attendance. Since 1981 the Traralgon branch has raised approximately $975 000. I commend Val Kennedy, Sally Wilson, Kaye Jones and their army of volunteers on their ongoing efforts. Cancer survivor Sophie Morell also gave an inspiring account of her battle with leukaemia. Well done to all volunteers and local businesses for supporting such a worthy cause.

Mr NORTHE — I also had the pleasure on Sunday of attending the Latrobe RSL group's Vietnam Veterans Day reflection service at ANZAC Memorial Park in Traralgon. The commemoration day allows us to pay our respects to those who served and sacrificed so much in the Vietnam War and in particular recognises the Battle of Long Tan. Approximately 60 000 Australian men and women served in Vietnam, with 521 Australian lives lost, including 6 Latrobe Valley men who were recognised at Sunday's service for their sacrifice. In addition, many thousands were injured physically and emotionally, and our thoughts today are with all those brave men and women who served in Vietnam. Lest we forget!

Mr RICHARDSON (Mordialloc) — Recently I attended in Cheltenham the Australia India Society of Victoria's celebration for the 69th anniversary of India's independence. Indian Independence Day is a significant occasion for the Indian community here in Australia and for the more than 1 billion people in India. It is a time to reflect on the struggles towards independence and the journey of India over the past decades to become one of the world's powerhouses in the Asian century, and it is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of the Indian community to our multicultural society. The bond between India and Australia is strong. It is underpinned by our shared democratic values, by the appreciation of Indian culture and by our passion for sport, and it is expressed in the creative industries.

The strength of our relationship was on display during last year's visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Australia in 28 years. In addressing the Australian Parliament, Prime Minister Modi said that he sees Australia as a major partner in every area of our national priority. In addressing the federal Parliament he went on to say:

India's development, demography and demand provide a unique long-term opportunity for Australia — and all in the familiar framework of democracy. There is no other example of this nature in the world.

These words encapsulate the bright, prosperous and collaborative future between our two nations. I would like to thank the president, Dr Gurdip Aurora, and the entire committee of the Australia India Society of Victoria for a wonderful celebration and for its ongoing service to Victoria's Indian community over the past 50 years.

Dr NAPTHINE (South-West Coast) — During the 2014–15 year the port of Portland handled a record 6.5 million tonnes of trade — the fourth successive year of growth. Of this, 4.25 million tonnes were plantation-grown hardwood and softwood woodchips and logs. This level of activity is important for the local and the Victorian economy and for jobs. There are more than 280 000 truck movements to and from the port of Portland each year and this is estimated to increase further over the next 5 to 10 years. Indeed, one local transport company is currently advertising for 40 to 60 new truck drivers.

Many of these truck journeys are bringing wood products to Portland along the Princes Highway from South Australia via Heywood or along Portland-Nelson Road. This enormous volume of truck traffic is causing massive damage to these roads, especially during wet, wintry conditions. The previous coalition government funded new safer passing lanes on the Princes Highway at Greenwald and committed a further $640 000 for road repairs at Bolwarra and Greenwald. However, under this government VicRoads has now installed 60-kilometre-per-hour speed restrictions, rather than fix damaged roads at Greenwald and on Portland-Nelson Road. Action is needed now to fix these roads, not simply put up speed restriction signs. There is significant damage being caused to these roads, which is dangerous. We need action from this government, not just speed restrictions.

Mr J. BULL (Sunbury) — The Andrews government is getting on with education in Sunbury. Members know that Sunbury College is a fantastic school. It is a place that gave me a wonderful start in life through a quality education. On Friday, 7 August, I had the great privilege of joining the Premier in touring the school and in particular discussing the design and build of the new $3 million science wing the Andrews Labor government will build over the next two years. We are giving students at Sunbury College the world-class science facilities they need to reach their full potential. We are also supporting student wellbeing at Sunbury College, with an extra $70 000 in funding to ensure that students stay healthy, happy and ready to learn.

On a personal note, it was fantastic to introduce the Premier to my former politics teacher, Dale Thornton, a teacher who always does his absolute best for his students. There is nothing more important than getting a good start in life. That is why we are making Victoria the education state. Time and time again throughout history we have seen that getting access to quality education can be the single biggest factor in living a happy, healthy and productive life. This includes ensuring that school buildings are maintained so that students can learn in quality learning environments.

Last week I was extremely proud to announce that Sunbury schools will be receiving an additional $1.1 million to fix buildings and do general repairs. Sunbury Downs College, Sunbury College, Sunbury West Primary School and Sunbury Heights Primary School — my former primary school — will all be sharing in this money. It will ensure that every child, student and adult learner in Sunbury gets a great education and the promise of a bright future.

Mr KATOS (South Barwon) — Last Friday I wrote to the Premier and asked that he not grant a further petroleum exploration permit (PEP) 163, which is a gas exploration permit in sensitive areas of the Surf Coast shire and Geelong. The permit area covers areas of Highton, Waurn Ponds, Armstrong Creek, Torquay, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Moriac, Modewarre and much of the rural hinterland of the Surf Coast. I previously stated that I would not support unconventional gas exploration that puts at risk our prime agricultural land and water resources. I have previously supported Moriac, Freshwater Creek and Paraparap communities to declare themselves 'frack free' townships, and I have also supported a moratorium on unconventional gas.

I have consulted widely in the electorate of South Barwon, and it is my firm opinion that unconventional gas exploration on the Surf Coast will put at risk agriculture, tourism, water resources and our residential zones. It should be noted that PEP 163 was originally granted under a Labor government in 2002 and has been renewed on eight occasions by Labor. If the Premier chooses to grant or expand this permit, then he and his government will face the strongest opposition from local groups and constituents in the Surf Coast shire and the South Barwon electorate. I am also willing to meet with the Premier, along with local groups and constituents, to discuss these matters at any time that is convenient to the Premier.

Mr NOONAN (Minister for Police) — I rise to congratulate Victoria Police, the Victoria Police Anzac Centenary Committee and the Blue Ribbon Foundation on their efforts in organising a commemorative service on 7 August acknowledging the 138 Victoria Police officers who served in the First World War and the 27 who lost their lives. The day was especially poignant, with families of some of the officers attending to remember their ancestors. A moving address was given by Constable Steven Newland, whose grandmother's uncle, Sergeant Herbert Newland, was one of those Victoria Police officers who served his country as a soldier and his community as a police officer. He spoke of his pride in following in his ancestor's footsteps. The commemorative address was given by Sir Angus Houston, who spoke about the importance of service and sacrifice. The Victoria Police chief commissioner, Graham Ashton, also spoke, and I was honoured to lay a wreath with him.

In a moving tribute to the 27 officers who lost their lives, 27 current officers stood behind the catafalque guard and came to attention as the name of a lost officer was read. The Victoria Police chapel provided a fitting location for the moving commemorative service. I would like to thank the Australian Welsh Male Choir for lending their voices to the day; their voices filled the academy chapel and provided an inspiring rendition of In Flanders Fields. The service reminded us of the sacrifices — —

The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Angus) — Order! The member's time has expired.

Ms SHEED (Shepparton) — I was honoured to attend the Unity Cup at Rumbalara Football and Netball Club on Saturday, 8 August. The ninth annual event brought together Rumbalara and Congupna football and netball players, supporters, Aboriginal elders, aunties, sisters, mothers, grandmothers and female representatives. Each year the Unity Cup honours the significance of women and their impact on creating strong families and communities. The men formed a guard of honour on the ground as about 100 women joined together for the Women's Walk of Solidarity, a mark of respect for the role of women in the community.

I joined Victorian Governor Linda Dessau on the walk, a truly meaningful event for everyone involved. I would like to congratulate Paul Briggs and Debbie McColl, presidents of the clubs involved, for their continued leadership and hard work on this event and throughout the year. Governor Dessau is now Rumbalara club patron and no. 1 ticketholder, and I look forward to her continued involvement in the club and the wider region.

Ms SHEED — Last week I visited Horses for Hope, which is an equine facilitated learning and therapy program to assist people with a range of issues. The program's clients may be victims of abuse or trauma, have experienced an accident or natural disaster or be suffering from a developmental or mental health issue. Horses for Hope operates out of Shepparton and Kinglake in Victoria. The program connects troubled people and troubled horses, and is truly remarkable in this respect. Delivered by Kildonan Uniting Care, the program has gained a reputation for being able to assist individuals and groups that have tried a range of other therapeutic options.

Ms KNIGHT (Wendouree) — Today I would like to speak about an organisation in my electorate, Berry Street. We all know about the great work Berry Street does Australia-wide, but I want to talk about what they are doing in my electorate of Wendouree. Last week I attended Berry Street Ballarat's monthly staff meeting, and I must say I walked out of that meeting with a renewed sense of respect for support agency workers. I am referring to all the workers, including the administrative staff and everything that they do. The assistance that they provide to those in our community who are most vulnerable is quite amazing. It is also incredibly selfless, and I want to sincerely thank those workers.

At the meeting I heard about the great successes that they are having with their programs, and what a wide range of programs they have. I heard about kids who have come from the worst situations you can imagine and who now, with the help of their Berry Street caseworkers, have enrolled in educational courses and are now out there excelling in the workforce. They are just some of the many, many examples that I heard about on the day.

It was a great privilege to listen to the staff giving their reports. Again, I want to thank them for being so generous with their time and with their knowledge, and for extending that invitation to me to attend their staff meeting. The dedicated and passionate staff at Berry Street Ballarat are second to none, and I am really proud to have these people working in my community, helping children and families.

Mr T. BULL (Gippsland East) — There is nothing like a small country town to show how a community can come together, and what more important reason is there than to build a pub — a pub that was destroyed by fire last year? Although as a teetotaller, Acting Speaker, you may not be greatly interested, the community of Buchan is very interested! The pub was burnt down in April 2014 after a fire. It is a very historic pub; it had been there for 121 years. The community of 400 people believed the town had lost part of its soul, if you like.

With complications around the agreement and rebuilding, it was initially appearing as though the town would be publess. The community then came together, and through key organiser Lyndel Moore a fundraiser was organised to raise the sum of $600 000. Support for the fundraiser came from all over the electorate, including towns such as Orbost, Nowa Nowa and Lakes Entrance as well as those further afield — Bairnsdale, Strathfield, Heyfield and Maffra. Indeed the fundraiser captured hearts from all over the world, with even people from New York donating. Amazingly, the $600 000 in community fundraising was achieved last week.

I am delighted for the people of the township of Buchan and its surrounding communities, who will regain their iconic pub. I encourage all members to visit Buchan as soon as possible and have a refreshment. They can have a look at my name on the wall as a contributor to that great cause.

Ms EDWARDS (Bendigo West) — Established in 2005, the success of Bendigo Senior Secondary College's NETschool is well known. NETschool provides a highly personalised alternative educational setting for young people aged 15 to 19 who are unable to attend mainstream schooling, who have a history of non-attendance at school due to physical or mental health issues, trauma, ongoing family issues, poor relationships with teachers and other students, being bullied, being pregnant or being a young mother and who still have a strong desire to gain formal qualifications.

On Friday night I was privileged to join some of the NETschool students as they embarked on their first ever debutante ball. This was a very proud moment for these young people, their teachers, their parents and their friends. Most of these students thought they would never have the opportunity to do anything like this. They also fundraised and provided supper for the event.

The importance of this debutante ball to these young people was reflected in their personal comments about what the night meant to them. Bonnie Cook and Josh Pama said:

The fact I am able to afford to do my deb is something I never thought would be possible. All the fundraising has really helped. I have really enjoyed being able to get dressed up and to feel special. I am also very excited about the opportunity to perform with my cello tonight. I am happy to be connecting with my music again. Both these things have helped make me feel a part of NETschool very quickly.

Ollie Cornwell and Tully Novelli commented:

This deb ball is very important to me because it is a subtle and not-so-subtle way for me to announce to others who I am. It also gives me an opportunity at the same time to bring to the fore societal and gender norms. Lastly, I am really looking forward to a great night and to being able to dance with my best friend.

The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Angus) — Order! The member's time has expired.

Mr WELLS (Rowville) — This statement strongly supports the recently held community rally backing the east–west link 'Just build it!' campaign and condemns the Andrews Labor government for its political sabotage in ripping up the contracts for the east–west link, thereby dooming the millions of Melbourne commuter and business road users to many more years of continuing congestion and traffic gridlock. Scrapping such a vital major infrastructure project also means that the Andrews government has, hypocritically, axed thousands of jobs — an estimated 6700 jobs to be exact — for Victorian workers at the same time as spruiking its now seriously floundering so-called jobs plan to create 100 000 jobs.

An east–west link remains a critically important and vitally needed project for Victoria's future and economic prosperity, and such a link will be built in the future. Victorian motorists just cannot afford to remain permanently gridlocked on increasingly congested roads. If the east–west link is not built, Victorian commuters will be forced to spend more and more of their valuable time frustrated in their cars rather than spending quality time with their friends and families.

The Andrews Labor government's reckless irresponsibility is not only threatening Victoria's hard-won international reputation as a place to do business and to invest but also literally flushing more than $640 million in taxpayers money down the drain for absolutely no gain, nothing, zip — no new road and no new jobs. Scrapping the east–west link has hit Victoria's economy at a time when new investment is critically important.

Mr CARROLL (Niddrie) — On Saturday, 8 August, along with the federal member for Maribyrnong, the state member for Essendon and the mayor of the City of Moonee Valley, I attended the unveiling of a beautiful plaque and planting of a special Lone Pine tree to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine at Gallipoli from 6 to 9 August 1915. It is 100 years since the Anzacs fought one of their bloodiest battles. The Battle of Lone Pine was part of the Gallipoli campaign and has only recently been described by the Governor-General, Peter Cosgrove, as a 'vicious armed brawl'. It was four days of intense hand-to-hand fighting during which some 800 Australians died, some 1500 were wounded and seven Victoria Crosses were earnt.

The City of Moonee Valley's special Lone Pine is an Aleppo pine, Pinus halepensis, presented by the 58/32nd Infantry Battalion Association. It is a descendant of the original lonesome pine from the battlefields of Lone Pine and was grown from a seed from the Australian War Memorial. This lone pine was a solitary tree on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey that marked the site of the Battle of Lone Pine in 1915. Pines that are planted as a memorial to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in Gallipoli are also known as Lone Pines or Gallipoli Pines, referencing the original tree. The original Lone Pine was the sole survivor of a group of trees that was cut down by Turkish soldiers who used the timber and branches to cover their trenches during the battle.

I thank Moonee Valley City Council for organising our community's very own Lone Pine tree to commemorate 100 years since this historic battle at Gallipoli. I encourage locals to visit Queens Park to see both the plaque and the newly planted Lone Pine tree, which stands in perpetuity commemorating the great work of our Anzacs.

Mr BLACKWOOD (Narracan) — Today, 18 August, is Vietnam Veterans Day. Originally it was a day to commemorate the Battle of Long Tan, which took place in 1966. It has since been adopted as the day to remember the sacrifices made by Australian diggers during the entire 10-year Vietnam campaign.

The battle of Long Tan was the largest single-unit battle fought in Vietnam by Australian troops. It began on the afternoon of 18 August and went right through the night until the morning of the 19th. The reason it was looked on as decisive and significant was that the Australians had only been there a few months. It was the first major conflict involving Australian troops in Vietnam.

The Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese army were aware that the Australians were there to secure the province and decided they would take them on. That was the fate that befell the men of Delta company from the 6th battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment who were on patrol that particular day. The enemy lay in wait for them in a huge ambush in a rubber plantation called Long Tan, and the Australians had to hold off thousands of enemy troops for the duration of the battle. Eighteen Australian troops and up to 1000 enemy troops were killed. The skills of the artillery men and the arrival of armoured personnel carriers with more men saved the day.

The 6th battalion was called the 'baby battalion' as it was made up largely of national servicemen, and they certainly underwent a baptism by fire. This is another example of the mateship, courage, endurance and sacrifice that our diggers are renowned for.

Ms COUZENS (Geelong) — On 1 August 2015 a great stalwart of the Australian Labor Party and a valued member of the Geelong and district community, William Caldow, passed away at the age of 86. Known as Billy, he was born on 11 April 1929 at Rokewood, Victoria. The family moved to Cressy, where they lived at the billiard saloon opposite the Cressy hotel. In 1951 the family moved to Hope Street, Geelong West, and in 1955 Bill began work at Australian Portland Cement in Geelong. He remained there until he was made redundant in 1992.

In 1956 Bill married Lorraine Edmonds, and they bought their first home in Joyce Parade, Herne Hill, where they raised their three children, Anne, Maxine and Roger. It was also in 1956 that Bill joined the ALP. Bill loved his footy, a beer and the ALP. He was very active in the Geelong West branch and helped out at every election until he was hit by a car 10 years ago, which slowed him down.

In honour of Bill, a minute's silence was observed at the ALP's Geelong West branch meeting last night. Bill's commitment to his community and the ALP was outstanding. He was well known for his dedicated volunteer work. Bill was a life member of the ALP, having served 60 years. Vale, William Caldow.

Mr CRISP (Mildura) — I was delighted to attend this year's Merbein Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph and even more delighted that this year there were blue skies and sunshine, unlike last year. The day was an overwhelming success, with the organising committee outdoing itself yet again. With an estimated 12 000 people attending and 1500 vanilla slices consumed, Merbein was a sea of smiling faces. Congratulations to all those involved.

Mr CRISP — As spring is upon the Mallee, last Sunday the almond orchards were in full bloom for the Mallee Almond Blossom Festival. A huge crowd was well entertained, educated and well fed. Well done to Robinvale for organising a great event.

Mr CRISP — Mildura Tourism, headed by Rod Trowbridge, conducted a summit to develop a destination plan for the region. Mildura Tourism has actively promoted Mildura and continues to support the development and promotion of new products. The take-home lesson for the region was that many of the things we have done very well as a destination are being done by everyone else and we need to be active in order to remain a destination of choice for tourists. I look forward to the development of the plan.

Mr CRISP — The Kooloonong Natya Landcare Group is currently working towards the eradication of Hudson pear in the area. Hudson pear is a highly invasive, thorny cactus species which is so tough that its spines can penetrate boots and even car tyres, and it can cause serious injury to humans and livestock as well as fauna. It is potentially the worst cactus species to spread in Australia since prickly pear. I was invited to attend the group's Hudson pear burning party last Friday, during which I was able to experience firsthand the dangerous and debilitating effect that this cactus has on valuable land.

Mr HOWARD (Buninyong) — I was pleased to attend the gala night held by the Filipino/Australian Association of Ballarat Inc. (FAABI) on 1 August to celebrate the group's 24th anniversary. Many members of the group have settled in Ballarat after moving from the Philippines, and they have become very involved in Ballarat community life. The gala night was again an opportunity for FAABI members to celebrate and share aspects of their Filipino culture and especially their love of dance. The performances of traditional Filipino dance were a highlight of the evening, but other performances of ballet and singing were also appreciated by all who attended, as was the more contemporary dancing later in the evening. I congratulate FAABI president, Shirley Hart, all FAABI members and performers, and the St Patrick's College caterers, who all ensured that the gala night was enjoyed by all.

Mr HOWARD — I am delighted that the Andrews Labor government is continuing to support the volunteer emergency services equipment program, otherwise known as VESEP, which was initiated by the Bracks government. In this last round of funding five Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigades in the Buninyong electorate will share in over $98 000 worth of support. These include: Elaine CFA, which will gain $44 133; Meredith CFA, which will receive $35 407; and Smythesdale, Ballarat and Maude CFAs, which will gain between $1900 and $10 000 to upgrade their facilities and equipment. This support will be greatly appreciated by these brigades and the communities they support, and I congratulate the brigades on their great work.

Mr WATT (Burwood) — With most community groups it is the volunteers who are the driving force. It is with this in mind that I want to congratulate and thank Steph Trace for her work with St Scholastica's Kindergarten, particularly her work with the sausage sizzle at Woolworths and the recent art show of students' works, which was a huge success. I appreciate the opportunity to be involved in both events, and I am inspired by the work of volunteers such as Steph.

Mr WATT — I refer to the article by Jesse Wray-McCann published on the front page of the Whitehorse Leader of 17 August 2015 titled 'Grand final losers'. While I very much appreciate the brown and gold scarf in the photo, all of the business owners I have spoken to in my electorate and I do not appreciate the circumstances that businesses find themselves in in relation to public holidays. Businesses like Zimt in Surrey Hills, which is run by a husband and wife team who reside in my electorate, have to make an unpleasant choice between losing $2000 if they open on grand final eve or losing $1000 if they close. The government spokespeople repeatedly state that the new public holiday will deliver benefits, something which is not substantiated by the regulatory impact statement. Along with business owners in my electorate, I call on the Premier to stop attacking hardworking mum and dad business owners and to cancel this ill-conceived grand final eve public holiday. It is a cost that businesses cannot afford and one that will cost jobs.

Mr WATT — On 7 August I attended the opening of Camberwell Showtime. I want to congratulate the local scouts and guides for another great season — I particularly appreciated some of the contemporary political references — especially given how much time and effort goes into producing the show each year.

Mr WATT — On 6 August I attended Hart Art, and I want to congratulate Hartwell Primary School and all the artists — —

The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Pearson) — Order! The member's time has expired.

Mr BROOKS (Bundoora) — I am very pleased to be able to rise in this place and say that the Andrews Labor government is reopening Greensborough TAFE, after it was shamefully closed down by those opposite.

The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Pearson) — Order! The time for member's statements has expired.