To my many friends and members of the Ballarat Indian community, happy Diwali.

I am very pleased to provide a report from the Environment and Planning Committee on our inquiry into employers and contractors who refuse to pay their subcontractors for completed works, following the government response to our inquiry being provided just last sitting week.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Education and Training Reform Amendment Bill 2024, which will improve how Victorian schools are regulated and run.

My constituency question is for the Minister for Health. How will the Allan Labor government’s $655 million investment to expand and redevelop Ballarat Base Hospital benefit constituents living in the electorate of Wendouree?

Today I rise to speak in support of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Pill Testing) Bill 2024 and really do genuinely welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important debate for our state.

Sebastopol is a proud suburb of Ballarat with a rich history and a strong community. That is why the Allan Labor government is investing to make it an even better place to live.

My constituency question is for the Minister for Health, and the question I ask is: how will women living in the electorate of Wendouree benefit from the Allan Labor government’s investment in women’s health clinics?

A new local business and cultural hub backed by the Allan Labor Government has opened in Ballarat - supporting Victorian Aboriginal businesses, students and artists to flourish and bringing even more economic opportunities to the region. Minister for Employment Vicki Ward has announced the official opening of the Wadawurrung Aboriginal Economic Hub.

Next the member for Pakenham, who we all admire and support, will stand to make her contribution.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Ballarat District Scouts annual report and awards night presentation. It was terrific to hear about scouting across our region from the youngest Joeys to the most senior Rovers.

Andrew was a proud unionist and loved the Labor Party. He had big dreams and huge potential.

Hundreds of free public car spaces are now available at the Ballarat Base Hospital for locals, visitors and workers as part of the Allan Labor Government’s ongoing investment in the thriving regional town. Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today joined representatives from Grampians Health to open 400 new public car spaces at the Ballarat Base Hospital – all free to park at.

The curtain will soon rise at the new and improved Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat promising a revamped space inside and out, that is more welcoming for all – backed by the Allan Labor Government. Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today announced the completion of restoration works at the nearly 150-year-old theatre, after a $10 million investment from Regional Development Victoria.

My constituency question is directed to the Minister for the State Electricity Commission, the SEC, regarding the Allan Labor government’s support for Victorians to save money on their energy bills and switch their homes to electricity.

The inaugural Festival of Australian Queer Theatre was held in Ballarat over the weekend, with 13 events over four days in three venues. I was honoured to attend the opening night on Thursday with so many members of the Ballarat rainbow community – a great reflection of the support that they continually give each other – as well as visitors to Ballarat for the festival.