Native timber industry
Wayne FARNHAM (Narracan) (18:26): (489) We are nearly there; we are nearly finished. My adjournment this evening is for the Premier, and the action I seek is that the Premier take immediate action to ensure the timber workers that have been impacted by the closure of the native timber industry receive the support they were promised. I had an email from a constituent this week, and he has informed me that 100 per cent of his income was through VicForests. This is a family-owned business; he has not been able to draw a wage since July – nearly five months. They have now received a WorkCover instalment bill which has completely exhausted their finances, and they have to watch their business accounts steadily dwindle with repayments for vehicle loans, business loans, insurance and other costs that have continued to come out – with no income. The previous Premier did say in the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee that he would support the timber industry. I know there was $200 million allocated, but the previous Premier said, ‘If it needs more than that, then we will do that.’ I would ask that the new Premier honour those commitments so this family can have a happy Christmas. I ask that the Premier do that.
Just in closing, Speaker, I wish you and your family the best of Christmas. I hope you have a great break. I look forward to seeing you next year with your smile and occasional glare when I do something wrong, but I hope you have a great new year as well, and thank you for the year.