The Andrews Labor Government knows that Ballarat and the surrounding region provide a significant contribution to the Victorian visitor economy. The area provides a growing variety of vibrant and diverse tourism offerings, attracting visitors from across Australia and the world.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Will the Minister for Health please advise how making university and specialist training free for thousands of nurses and midwives will benefit future nursing and midwife students, Grampians Health and patients in Ballarat?

I too rise to speak today in support of the Major Crime and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2022. I am very pleased to follow the contribution of my good friend the member for Tarneit, and I think that was an excellent contribution.

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is for the minister to visit Yuille Park P–8 Community College in my electorate of Wendouree. The school is truly one of the greatest examples of staff and families working together to support students and provide them with opportunities to grow and thrive.

As part of the Victorian Budget 2022/23, the Government invested in a new $250 Power Saving Bonus from 1 July 2022, driving down the cost of living right across the state.

I too would like to speak in support of the Early Childhood Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, which introduces stronger regulations for early childhood services and safeguards for the quality of maternal and child health services. I will be focusing on our stronger regulations for early childhood services during this debate and the importance of this bill passing in 2022.

On Saturday, 27 August, I had the great pleasure of attending the Ballarat Keralites Foundation of Australia’s annual Onam festival with Labor candidate for Ripon Martha Haylett and more than 250 members. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone for making us feel so welcome and thank the BKFA for their good work in our community.

I too am very proud to rise to speak in support of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences and Other Matters) Bill 2022, and I agree with the member for Footscray that this is a historic day for our Parliament. I am honoured to have the opportunity to speak on this, and I am honoured to follow so many incredible women who I admire so much.