Wednesday, 4 October 2023

Public Accounts and Estimates Committee

Report on the 2023–24 Budget Estimates

Nina TAYLOR (Albert Park) (10:19): I am very pleased to rise to speak to the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee 2023–24 budget estimates report of October 2023. I was previously on the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee. I know what a strenuous activity it is and what a concerted effort all members of the committee must make to deliver a reputable report, and indeed they have. I will commend the chair the member for Laverton. We also had a member for North-Eastern Metro, a member for South-Eastern Metro, the member for Box Hill, the member for Point Cook, the member for Yan Yean, a member for Western Vic, the member for Gippsland South and the member for Melbourne. I commend them all on their hard work delivering a report.

Now, what was it? I think there were about 129 findings – is that right? – and 82 recommendations. So that is splendid. That means a lot of hard work has gone into contributing to a great analysis of what is very important, and that is the fiscal activity of the state – the financial management of the state. In that regard, when we are talking about what revenue is utilised for – ultimately it is for services to the community – I was thinking that cost of living is certainly something that is top of mind. I was not actually at the committee myself, but I know that that definitely is a focus of the state. It goes without saying.

If we look at some of the budget commitments that are very important for Victorians, there is $400 million for another round of the power saving bonus. I have talked to a lot of constituents, and I am sure my colleagues here who have also had these discussions have noted just how welcome this $250 power saving bonus is in terms of helping to offset some of the significant challenges in terms of meeting the energy bills that inevitably come along. Some of the other budget initiatives when we are talking about cost of living include $50 million to help more Victorian families to access public fertility care, with up to 3375 treatment cycles funded each year. It is something that is extremely dear and beautiful, being able to have a child. Therefore making sure that this is truly accessible and that people do not have a barrier of cost in terms of being able to have the best possible chance of achieving this outcome is certainly a priority in our state.

If you look at some of the other budget initiatives, there is $42 million to install 100 neighbourhood batteries across the state at targeted locations. Again, not only is this good in terms of driving down emissions but also when you are looking at savings in terms of power bills, ultimately. The closer to home that energy is generated but also stored is also a good thing for the community at large.

A further budget-saving measure is $23 million to provide free period products in public places across the state. Particularly in talking to some of the young women in my electorate, I have found this was received in a most welcome way. Yes, there is the convenience aspect, but also one should not have to feel compromised with something as basic and essential as this because you cannot afford to be able to invest in these products. I know that the installation of up to 1500 free pad and tampon machines at up to 700 public sites, including courts, TAFEs, public libraries, train stations and major cultural institutions, like the State Library Victoria and the Melbourne Museum, just makes good sense and also will help to allay embarrassment. One, it is a cost-of-living issue, but there is also just the convenience – it is there, you know it is there and you can rely on it. This is something that you cannot avoid as a female.

There is $17 million to expand the Smile Squad free dental program to low-fee, independent Catholic schools from 2026, saving parents time and money on trips to the dentist. We know that teeth – we cannot do without them. We all need them.

A member interjected.

Nina TAYLOR: Apparently not. So this is good. This makes sense. It is a good, pragmatic cost-of-living measure.

There is $16 million for Solar Victoria to provide interest-free loans to eligible households to install solar battery storage systems in their home. It makes good sense.

A member interjected.

Nina TAYLOR: This is a budget measure, isn’t it? That is what we are talking about, and cost of living. This is all highly relevant I would have thought. These are also important things when we are talking about the family bank balance at the end of the day – or the household bank balance, I should say. Let us not overgeneralise. Again, I would like to commend the committee on their hard work. Thank you for what you are contributing to all of us.