Thursday, 3 April 2025

Ashwood electorate

Matt FREGON (Ashwood) (14:51): (1099) My question is for the Minister for Local Government, and it regards some news I had yesterday about the early redundancy of Ruth, the crossing lady at Parkhill Primary School, who has been there nearly 30 years. Monash council in their wisdom have apparently decided even just last week or the week before to tell Ruth that she is no longer required as an employee and to possibly give her some other chances through an outsourced company. My question is: what steps can the minister take in regard to Monash council’s decision to end the service of Ruth, the crossing guard at Parkhill Primary? The community is up in arms; I have had many emails from many constituents. Ruth has been there, as I said, for nearly 30 years. She is much loved. At the very least, can we give her the courtesy of letting her see her time out as an employee at Monash? I would appreciate the minister’s assistance.

Bridget Vallence: Speaker, I have a point of order, again on a number of questions that remain unanswered for constituents. I have one adjournment to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety; it is adjournment 1019, which is overdue; question on notice 1930 to the Minister for Water; question on notice 1972 to the Minister for Ambulance Services; question on notice 2078 to the Minister for Agriculture. And I have six questions to the Minister for Finance, and I have raised this point of order many times before: questions on notice 2082, 2083, 2084, 2085, 2086 and 2087. I would appreciate responses for my constituents.

The SPEAKER: Could you please hand the list to the clerks, member for Evelyn.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, noting it is the last day of the session, when the changes were made in relation to raising points of order on outstanding matters, there was an undertaking to constantly review the number of outstanding matters. I have just had a review myself, and there are a huge number of outstanding matters from ministers. I do remember that the Speaker gave a statement on the number of outstanding matters and did read those into the house. Considering the number of outstanding matters and the fact that clearly ministers are not addressing them, could it perhaps be an opportunity on this last day to do so again?

The SPEAKER: Member for Brighton, I will take your point of order as a question to the Chair. I am happy to discuss this matter in my office with you later.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, I did just raise a point of order in the chamber, not for a discussion somehow privately. I am entitled to take –

The SPEAKER: What is your point of order?

James Newbury: Speaker, my point of order is that I raised a matter in relation to the management of constituency –

The SPEAKER: And I have responded.

James Newbury: If I misheard, I think you just said to please talk to you about it outside.

The SPEAKER: Indeed. You are welcome to come and meet with me in my office, member for Brighton.