Wednesday, 20 March 2024

Ministers statements: government achievements

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:35): I am very pleased to update the house on the work the government is doing to create more jobs, grow the economy and deliver all the services that Victorian communities and families rely on. In the past 12 months more Victorians have found a job here in Victoria than in any other state in the country. Unemployment is at a historic low of 3.9 per cent, and in regional Victoria it is even lower at 3.3 per cent. When Victorians head to work, they might go to work in some of our world-class hospitals, our fabulous schools – as we have heard from the Minister for Education – or our TAFEs, or they might go to work on removing level crossings or upgrading road and rail right across the state.

But beyond that bricks-and-mortar investment that supports jobs, we also see support being provided to families, whether it is through our school breakfast clubs, where thousands of students every single day are getting a healthy, nutritious start to the day, which of course supports them to get the best out of their learning over the course of that school day, or they might get support through our affordable school uniforms and glasses or our Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, which also helps support families with some of those additional costs that come with sending your kids to school.

Of course today is World Oral Health Day. My kids have come home with their little orange toothbrushes and their orange toothpaste thanks to a visit to their school from the Smile Squad. These are the sorts of investments that we are making. It is not just in bricks and mortar but importantly too what goes on in these important public facilities that are delivering vital public services so that everyone in our community can get a good start in life.

Roma Britnell: On a point of order, Speaker, I bring to your attention four unanswered questions which ministers have been sitting on for many months, despite that I raised them with you last sitting week. Of particular importance is the question regarding Tasty Plate, which my office is receiving numerous correspondence regarding. These constituents deserve to have the minister respond as she is required to do. The questions are to the Minister for Environment, the Minister for Disability and the Minister for Health. I appreciate your assistance in ensuring ministers do their job. The four overdue, unanswered questions are 338, 413, 470 and 531.