Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) — My adjournment matter is somewhat urgent. It is for the Premier, and it comes from a young member of my electorate. He is very concerned about the safe travels of Santa across Victoria in late December. The weather is clearly becoming more unpredictable because of the effects of climate change. As a result we are seeing hotter days, storms coming from nowhere — it is like Mongolian soup sticks out there sometimes — and a threat of both bushfires and floods. My young constituent is very worried that it is getting harder for Santa to plan his trip throughout Victoria on Christmas Eve due to these volatile weather conditions. I have even heard that there are reported cases of reindeer having hayfever, which I am most disturbed about.
I note that in Northern Metropolitan Region we have two major offices of the Bureau of Meteorology, one in Docklands and one on Truck City Drive in Campbellfield. The action I am seeking — and I think this is really for the Premier — is that the government liaise with both the Bureau of Meteorology and Victoria’s air traffic controllers to ensure that Santa is receiving up-to-date meteorological and proper flight information as he travels across the state on the night of the 24th and the early morning of the 25th of December. My young constituent would be very pleased to hear if the Premier could ensure that he is in contact with Santa and the meteorological departments are providing adequate information.
Mr Finn — On a point of order, Acting President, I urge you to rule that matter out of order. That is clearly a federal matter, as we are talking here about both meteorological aspects and aviation. They are clearly federal matters, and this house is no place for discussion about them.
Mrs Peulich — On the same point of order, Acting President, while I concur with my parliamentary colleague Mr Finn, I would also like to raise the point that I do not believe it is an appropriate matter to be raised by the Sex Party.
The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) — Order! You can tell it is the festive season — that it is Christmas — already!
Ms Patten — On the point of order, Acting President, I would have to say that I hope the Premier would have consideration for, and I believe that he should have consideration for, the safe travels of Santa in the state of Victoria. While this may be federal airspace, I would like to think that the Premier would take an interest in the safe travels of Santa. I would have to say that the matter Mrs Peulich raised is not a point of order. Why would the Sex Party not like Santa or Christmas?
Mrs Peulich — You do not like anything to do with religion.
Ms Patten — I love Christmas, and I do think that it is a lovely celebration of family. It has nothing to do — —
The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) — Order! I think we have had enough debate on the matter. While I do not believe it would fall under the pure jurisdiction of an adjournment matter, I think now it has been fairly debated. As it is in Hansard, it will be referred to the Premier, but my understanding is that Santa has the ability to travel under all conditions anyway — sun, rain or whatever weather — so he does not need any help.
Ms Patten — On the point of order, Acting President, I would have to say that I hope the Premier would have consideration for, and I believe that he should have consideration for, the safe travels of Santa in the state of Victoria. While this may be federal airspace, I would like to think that the Premier would take an interest in the safe travels of Santa. I would have to say that the matter Mrs Peulich raised is not a point of order. Why would the Sex Party not like Santa or Christmas?
REPLY:
I thank the Member for bringing this important matter to my attention.
As always at this time of year, the necessary steps are taken to ensure safe passage of Santa and his sleigh.
When it comes to the environment, Victoria is definitely not on the naughty list. We are leading the nation when it comes to tackling climate change.
Have a safe and happy Christmas.
