Access to Justice in Danger in Victoria

15th February 2013 6:20 pm

“The proposed increases in VCAT fees and the ongoing crisis in legal aid funding is seriously jeopardising access to justice in this state,” said Greens Justice spokesperson Sue Pennicuik today.

“Recent reports that two criminal trials have been delayed must be of great concern to everyone.”

“A person’s right to a fair hearing is severely compromised when they do not have equal representation to the prosecution throughout the trial process.”

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Media Alert: Greens support Valentine’s Day Education rally

14th February 2013 12:36 pm

Pennicuik to attend the Valentine’s Day Education Rally in support of Victorian teachers

What: Greens education spokesperson, Sue Pennicuik will attend the teachers rally today in support of a better deal for teachers, principals and support staff.

When: 12.30 pm TODAY, Thursday 14 February
Where: Parliament House

“The Baillieu government promised that Victorian teachers would be the highest paid in Australia, but instead is offering them a paltry 2.5 per cent pay rise. Victorian teachers are the second lowest paid in the country, support staff remain the lowest paid and Victorian schools remain the lowest resourced in the country.

Member's Statement: King Richard III's remains

07/02/2013

Ms PENNICUIK -- Also this week in the United Kingdom a skeleton, uncovered in Leicester last year, has been identified as that of King Richard III. This is an amazing historical and archaeological story. Controversially portrayed by the Tudors and Shakespeare as a villain, Richard III was a social reformer and legal innovator.

The Greens: marriage equality policy

07/02/2013

Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) -- It has all been happening in the UK this week. The House of Commons has voted 400 to 175 in favour of marriage equality after Prime Minister David Cameron allowed a conscience vote.

Adjournment: Shire of East Gippsland, Bastion Point boat ramp

07/02/2013

Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) -- On Monday, 10 December, I addressed a rally at Parliament House organised by the Save Bastion Point campaign to send a message to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change to not support the option 3b proposal for the construction of the boat ramp at Bastion Point as applied for by the East Gippsland Shire Council. The Save Bastion Point campaign has gathered almost 2000 signatures on its petition to ask the minister not to grant coastal consent to the council for the boat ramp. Bastion Point in Mallacoota is recognised by the National Trust for its outstanding landscape and environmental values and sits within the spectacular marine and coastal environment of the Croajingolong National Park, which is recognised by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve.

Q: Health: Kew Residential Services site -- revenue

21/02/2013

9239 MS PENNICUIK — To ask the Minister for Health:

In relation to the Ombudsman’s Report ‘Investigation into the probity of the Kew Residential Services and St Kilda Triangle developments, June 2010’, in particular recommendation 10 that the Department of Human Services (DHS) should ‘report on the financial return to the state from the Kew Residential Services (KRS) project in its annual report’, and noting that the DHS annual report for both 2011 and 2012 made no mention of Kew Cottages (or KRS) and that the 2011-12 Report for Major Projects (in the financial report, page 68) reports reduced revenue from land development (Kew Residential Land Development) of $21,127 in 2012 against $56,543 in 2011:

Q: 9013 Racing: Greyhound Racing Victoria — animal welfare

12/12/2012

9013.       MS PENNICUIK — To ask the Assistant Treasurer (for the Minister for Racing):

(1)    How many greyhounds are currently registered with Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) for racing in Victoria.

Grand Prix OUT!

Greens MP for Southern Metropolitan, Sue Pennicuik has launched a community postcard campaign with the theme - "Grand Prix OUT!"

To order a free postcard, contact Sue Pennicuik's office on 03 9530 8399 or email.

The back of the postcard begins:
'The Formula One Grand Prix loses millions of dollars and disrupts the local community around Albert Park for months every year.

Greens urge Minister to reconsider Bastion Point decision

24th January 2013 6:12 pm

The Minister for Environment and Climate Change has given coastal consent for the 'Option 3b' proposal for the construction of a boat ramp at Bastion Point, as applied for by the East Gippsland Shire Council. The proposal will include building a causeway right on the beach and a large breakwater through the surf break.

Greens ports and marine spokesperson Sue Pennicuik, MLC is urging the Minister to reconsider his decision as the 3b proposal is not supported by the majority of the community.

"The Minister has cited strict 'conditions' such as 'an environmental management plan for construction' - of a ramp that will destroy the ecology of the area, and 'ensure marine safety', even though the independent panel rejected the proposal in part because of serious safety concerns," Ms Pennicuik said.

Member's Statement: Special Anniversaries

13/12/2012

Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) -- Luna Park turns 100 today, and I am sure everyone here, as well as millions of others, have fond memories of it -- I have always loved the scenic railway. The year 2012 is a year of significant anniversaries in the areas of entertainment, science, politics and human rights across the world.