This week marks just two years since the last state election and six years of being an MP, a job that I absolutely love. I am so proud to represent my community and never take for granted what a privilege it is to be the member for Wendouree.

I am delighted to rise to talk about the Environment and Planning Committee report. Securing the Victorian food supply is an existential issue for our state now and into the future. As Victoria’s population continues to grow, the impact of urban sprawl in Melbourne and regional cities like mine in Ballarat is impacting our food producers and our farming industry.

The stage is set for a new and more inclusive era for patrons and performers at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison represented Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today at ‘Resurgence’, the City of Ballarat’s official reopening event held at the theatre.

The Allan Labor Government is giving young Ballarat locals access to the mental health support they need and deserve, with the new Ballarat Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) Centre one step closer. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today unveiled designs for the new multi-million-dollar, 10-bed youth mental health project to be located in the heart of Ballarat – with construction set to commence later this year.

The Allan Labor Government is making rental properties safer by requiring smoke alarm, gas and electrical safety checks for all residential rental properties. Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams today joined the Scarff family in Ballarat to announce new reforms requiring rental providers to conduct smoke alarm checks every 12 months, and gas and electrical safety checks every two years, for all rentals – no matter when the lease started.

My question is for the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. How has the Allan Labor government’s support for AFL matches at Mars Stadium benefited the Ballarat community?

I was delighted to recently visit Forest Street Primary School in Wendouree to celebrate the opening of the $6.3 million upgrade to block A, which is known as the foundation, 1 and 2 and admin wing. The building has new classrooms, new admin space and a beautiful new library that is flooded with light.

Remembrance Day was observed across Ballarat by solemn and moving ceremonies. At the Arch of Victory service, president Garry Snowden shared stories of Ballarat fathers who left behind young families when answering the call and, sadly, never returned home.

I too am pleased to be able to stand before the house today to speak in support of the Aged Care Restrictive Practices Substitute Decision-maker Bill 2024, which will introduce clear guidelines for who has decision-making power regarding the use of restrictive practices.

I want to thank the Member for her tireless advocacy for the health of her local community – including for the women and girls in her electorate. I know the member is keenly interested in making sure that women across Victoria have access to the healthcare they need.

Congratulations to the Ballarat Life Activities Club on their world record attempt for the largest exercise class of people aged over 60. On a sunny morning on Tuesday 22 ‍October at Lake Wendouree nearly 100 seniors from across Ballarat and beyond took up the challenge to get themselves into the Guinness book of world records.

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?