Archive Statements

Ms PATTEN — I would also just like to mention in regard to yesterday’s election of Mr Trump that it must be noted that five more states in the US have legalised the personal use of cannabis.

Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) — Last week I attended a meeting at Abbotsford Convent to welcome the new CEO, Collette Brennan, and hear her vision for this wonderfully unique place. The plan is ambitious and if it is realised the 6.8 hectares of gardens and buildings will be developed, renovated and connected not only with the city…

Ms PATTEN — I would also like to congratulate radio station JOY 94.9 on their 24th year on air. I was pleased to attend their annual general meeting. I would also like to congratulate the 200 volunteers that make this wonderful resource for the LGBTI community possible, as well as outgoing president Jed Gilbert; David McCarthy, for being awarded…

Ms Patten (Northern Metropolitan): I rise today to echo some of the words of my colleagues from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party on the incredibly worrying recent spate of gun-related crimes, particularly in the electorate of Northern Metropolitan Region. It seems that every other day when I watch the news there is a drive-by shooting…

Ms Patten (Northern Metropolitan) — On 18 May the 2016 Minister for Health Volunteer Awards recognised 16 individuals and teams who generously devote their time and talents in a variety of health and community sectors. One such recipient was DanceWize. DanceWize is a program of Harm Reduction Victoria. It uses peer education to reduce drug and alcohol-related harm at Victorian…

Ms Patten (Northern Metropolitan) — I rise to speak on the horrific events that occurred at Pulse nightclub in Orlando on 12 June. Nightclubs have been a historically safe space for the LGBTI community, a place without fear, without stigma or judgement. The victims were gay, and many of them were people of colour. All of them were in…

Ms Patten (Northern Metropolitan) — Last Friday I had the great pleasure of attending the Human Rights Law Centre’s (HRLC) annual fundraising dinner with my colleague Ms Pennicuik. It was in the stunning Plaza Ballroom. We were extremely lucky to have the sensational and moving Stan Grant as keynote speaker. He was joined by Victoria’s equal opportunity and…

Ms Patten (Northern Metropolitan) — I was delighted to attend the opening of my electorate office. I was joined by colleagues, former colleagues and friends, and I was very pleased to be there. It is at 747 Sydney Road in Brunswick, and it is in the middle of a very bustling small business precinct. I have been enjoying meeting…

Ms Patten (Northern Metropolitan) — Last weekend I had an absolutely fabulous time celebrating the Australian Sex Party’s inaugural appearance at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. In 1978 the Gay Solidarity Group planned an event in commemoration of the Stonewall riots, where LGBTI protesters and their supporters demonstrated against the homophobic, racial and gender-based discrimination and…

Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) — Thank you very much for the mention. Speaking of finalists, last week along with a number of colleagues from this house I had the pleasure of attending the 2015 VicHealth Awards. I was very pleased to see the number of northern metro organisations and projects that made it into the…