Greens motion: Production of Documents
Debate resumed from 20 March; motion of Mr BARBER (Northern Metropolitan):
That this house requires the Leader of the Government to table in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, 16 April 2013, a copy of:
(1) all documents relating to the 'Route alignments peer reviewed and short-listed' and 'Communications and engagement strategy finalised' referred to on page 3 of 'East-west link reform and investment framework -- stages 1 to 6', August 2012', which formed part of the east-west link submission to Infrastructure Australia;
(2) the agenda, minutes, any attachments to the minutes and any presentations or materials tabled in relation to each meeting of the Department of Transport's east-west steering committee to date;
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Adjournment: Bayside planning scheme: amendment
Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) -- My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy. The water sensitive urban design policy, clause 22.08 of the Bayside planning scheme, is scheduled to expire on 31 May this year. At its 17 July 2012 meeting council resolved to write to the Minister for Planning requesting that he:
Napthine government not prepared for transport congestion
Two reports tabled in the Victorian Parliament show that Melbourne's transport system is in danger of grinding to a halt, says Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber.
"We're in trouble in Melbourne when it comes to public transport," said Greg Barber MLC
"The Auditor-General says the Government has no plan for shifting people from their cars to public transport despite road congestion getting worse."
Fair go for Firefighters a step closer as bill sent to committee for inquiry
Speech in parlaiment by Colleen Harltand
I move: That the Accident Compensation Legislation (Fair Protection for Firefighters) Bill 2011, as introduced into this house by myself and ruled out of order by the President on 20 February 2013 for infringing section 62 of the Constitution Act 1975, be referred to the Economy and Infrastructure Legislation Committee for consideration and report by 12 June 2013 on measures aimed at addressing any constitutional impediment to the bill’s introduction into the Legislative Council.
The Accident Compensation Legislation (Fair Protection for Firefighters) Bill 2011, which I introduced into Parliament, would see artificial barriers removed to enable firefighters to access WorkCover compensation when they contract cancer from work-related smoke and toxic exposure. This is a bill with utmost merit. It is the right thing to do. It is the decent thing to do. Unfortunately it is not the merit of the bill that is in question here; it is whether it is constitutionally valid to introduce this bill into the Legislative Council that is in question.
Hartland sets deadline for smoke free outdoor dining
Victorian Greens Health Spokesperson Colleen Hartland has announced a 29 May deadline for the Government to announce a ban on smoking in outdoor dining and drinking areas, or face up to the issue in parliament via her smoking in outdoor areas bill.
In response to the release of the Government’s consultation on smoking in children’s recreational areas, and the launch of the peak health organisation campaign ‘Keep Fresh Air Fresh’, Colleen Hartland has announced that she will proceed with her Bill on the 29th May if the government fails to act before then. Ms Hartland’s Bill aims to make outdoor drinking and dining areas smokefree.
“I will give the government the opportunity to do the right thing and act on submissions to the consultation that support making outdoor dining and drinking areas healthy and smokefree. If they do not make this announcement, I will proceed with my bill in parliament.” said Colleen Hartland.
Fund public transport in the West this budget
Speech in parliament by Colleen Hartland
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Planning on behalf of the Minister for Public Transport. This government was elected on a promise to fix public transport and to not neglect the west. I would like to remind the government of three public transport projects that need fixing in my western suburbs electorate and that should receive funding in the upcoming budget.
The first is the duplication of the Altona loop single track as far as is possible. The very poor service on the Altona loop is reflected in the fact that its commuters are the most dissatisfied of the whole Metro network and in the loop’s low patronage. Residents have been forced to abandon their trains. Consultants at URS have undertaken preliminary research and have outlined and costed a feasibility study which looks at duplication of sections on the Altona loop and the installation of passing loops. It will cost just $36 000. As far as the state budget is concerned this is chicken feed, but it is desperately needed by the Altona loop commuters.
Victorian climate change and health strategy urgently required
Speech in parliament by Colleen Hartland
In light of recent reports issued by the Climate Commission and beyondblue, I call on the government to create a climate change and health strategy for Victoria.
In recent weeks beyondblue released a book entitled A Road Less Travelled—A Guide to Children, Emotions and Disasters, which provides deeper insight into the long-lasting mental health impacts of disasters on children. Shortly after the Climate Commission released a report entitled The Critical Decade— Extreme Weather, which confirmed that climate change is already increasing the intensity and frequency of many extreme weather events, and that there is a high risk of disasters becoming even more intense over coming decades.
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V/Line action plan needed re today's performance results
V/Line's latest monthly results released today show need for a fully funded improvement plan with money allocated in next month's State Budget.
"There's no sustained improvement in V/Line's performance. On some lines, things are getting worse," said Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber MLC
"V/line is a serious commuter service that many depend on. And if they can't rely on it, they'll give it up and drive instead. It's not just for people visiting the grand kids and the odd country holiday."
Dangerous bridge for cyclists to be transformed with installation art
Media Alert: Dangerous bridge for cyclists to be transformed with installation art
When: 8:30am press conference. Tomorrow, Tuesday 16th April. Colleen and cyclists on site from 7:30am-9:15am.
Where: Shepherd Bridge over the Maribyrnong River, connecting Footscray Road and Napier Street.
What: The new look Shepherd Bridge will be unveiled. Expect to see the length of Shepherd Bridge with brightly coloured installation art with a bike safety message. Cyclists will gather for the event and will be signing onto a giant letter to the Minister. This giant letter will be delivered to the Minister in Parliament that day.
Greens MP for the Western Suburbs, Colleen Hartland, said that today's event is to highlight that cyclists need to be safe as they travel between home and work every day. This bridge is not safe and must be fixed.
V/Line performance report shows need for Budget funds
Update: March 2013 results released on 15 April - click here for Greg's reaction
The latest V/Line performance report shows it needs money in next month's State Budget to improve reliability and on-time running of V/Line services, says Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber.
"On-time running is not getting better, if anything it's getting worse. Let's see Terry Mulder stop hiding behind V/Line and explain what he will do to improve train punctuality," said Greg Barber MLC
