The Andrews Labor Government is investing to make the state more inclusive for all Victorians, making popular tourist destinations and community facilities more accessible for people with disability. Today Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison announced that Ballarat Group Training at Barkly Square will receive a grant $100,000 as part of the Labor Government’s Changing Places and Universal Design grants program, aimed at making it easier for all Victorians to take part in community and social activities.

I am pleased to hear of the positive impact of the Government’s investments across the Ballarat region.  The Government’s investments have contributed to Ballarat’s growing economy and boosted local job opportunities.

I thank Ms Addison, Member for Wendouree, for her question and interest in the historic $5.3 billion Big Housing Build and other social and affordable housing projects in the electorate of Wendouree.

The Andrews Labor Government is helping Ballarat kindergartens to upgrade and improve their centres, giving every Victorian child the best start to life. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today announced that two Ballarat Kinders have joined the ranks of over 100 other Early Childhood services to benefit from the Building Blocks Improvement grant program.

This is an important moment in the history of early childhood education and care in Victoria: one that means better educational outcomes for children, including those in Wendouree.

More students will be able to catch a school bus next year as the Andrews Labor Government rolls out the first in a suite of additional school bus services across the state, including Ballarat. A new school bus service being introduced in 2023 will link Cardigan Village and Lucas with Lucas Primary School and Ballarat High School for the first-time making access to school easier for primary and secondary-aged students in these growing areas.

The Andrews Labor Government is looking at more ways to boost employment opportunities in the Central Highlands, bringing together businesses, employers and community leaders. A forum held in Ballarat today and hosted by Jobs Victoria examined ways the Labor Government, local businesses and communities can work together to identify opportunities and develop new approaches to address workforce challenges.

Early works are now underway to build an Intermodal Freight Hub at the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ). The works will see five serviced lots built at the site – in preparation for major construction to take place on the freight hub next year.

For patients, robot-assisted surgery can lead to a faster recovery from surgery, shorter hospital stay and the opportunity to return to pre surgery activities more quickly. It will provide world class technology to patients in the Grampians region.

My adjournment matter is for the Treasurer, and the action I seek is for him to update me on how significant investment made by the Andrews Labor government in Ballarat between 2018 and 2022 has created jobs and supported the local economy.

My question is for the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Minister for Creative Industries. Will the minister please advise how the Andrews Labor government is continuing to support tourism for Ballarat?

I am very pleased to stand today to speak about the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s report on the inquiry into Victorian universities’ investment in skills, which was tabled on 1 September by the chair, the member for Lara.

I too rise to speak in support of the Disability Amendment Bill 2022, which will improve services, safeguards and protections for people with disability and will further acquit this government’s commitment to reviewing and reforming the Disability Act 2006.

Grampians Health Ballarat is driving environmental awareness in regional Victoria by taking delivery of two State Government fleet battery electric vehicles. The zero-emission Hyundai Kona Electric cars will cover a lot of ground across the Ballarat region, supporting the Government’s charge towards a state-wide net zero emissions target by 2050.

Victoria 2026 will present a critical opportunity to invest in community infrastructure in regional Victoria, including housing and world-class sporting facilities. The Games will provide a huge boost to tourism and local businesses in regional Victoria, bringing visitors from more than 70 Commonwealth nations and territories.