Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (12:06): My question is to the Minister for Small Business. Licensed brothels, escort agencies, strip clubs and adult service operators are concerned that because of the nature of their business they will be discriminated against during the reopening of Victorian businesses that has just been announced by the government. Like many other sectors that require close contact, such as beauty salons, tattoo artists or massage therapists, those involved in the sex industry have put together COVID-safe operating plans to ensure that both workers and clients follow health protocols. Given its...
Free transport for students
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (12:25): My constituency question is for the Minister for Public Transport. Earlier this year we had the YMCA Youth Parliament here. It was not the normal Youth Parliament that we normally have, but it was still terrific for Coburg High School, who were able to take part in it and put forward a bill. Their bill was called the Free Public Transport for Students Bill 2020. Coburg High School wrote to me about this bill, and I think they are quite right: this bill should gather the support of the majority of...
World Game Facilities Fund
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan):
My question is for the Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence.
Members of my community in Coburg have been blindsided by the proposal to install synthetic grass on the majority of Hosken Reserve, denying the community valuable green space.
I understand the field will be used by the local soccer teams, but the grant process was predicated on satisfactory community consultation, and I can say many people feel they were not consulted.
What prompted you to announce an...
Veterans homelessness
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (12:10): My question is for the Minister for Veterans, Minister Leane.
I actually probably would have written to you about this today, but seeing as we are here, it gave me the perfect opportunity to ask you about it. As we know, veterans face homelessness at a far greater rate than the average population.
In fact DVA, the federal veterans affairs office, said there were about 3000; we now know that there are more like 6000 veterans who are homeless in Australia, and about...
Student accommodation
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (11:39): My question is to the Minister for Higher Education, Minister Tierney. There are approximately 20 000 student accommodation placement places in greater Melbourne, and we do not expect our international students to be coming back at the fulsome numbers that we had in the past. So I am wondering if you could tell me what percentage of international students Melbourne can expect back in our schools and in that student accommodation by, say, the end of next...
Solar panel rebate scheme
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (13:18): My constituency question is for the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Lily D’Ambrosio.
Matthew Jenkins from Brunswick wrote to me outlining the trouble he and his wife have had accessing the solar panel rebate scheme. Matthew and his wife own an apartment in Manallack Street in Brunswick. There are eight apartments in the building, and it is set up on an owners corporation model.
Matthew believes that he is able to persuade the other owners to agree to...
Business support fund
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (12:23): My question is for the Minister for Small Business.
The government has a COVID-19 Business Support Fund for those operations impacted by stage 3 and 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell shire area. These are $10 000 grants that are available until 14 September.
I know many businesses in my area have welcomed this support during this difficult time, but I think you will all agree that businesses who have already received the support from this fund will in no...
Covid restrictions
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan)
My constituency question is for the health minister, Minister Mikakos.
A constituent contacted my office seeking clarification on the stage 4 directions. The reason I want to raise it here is because we have been unable to ascertain a clear answer from DHHS.
Tylar is the executor of a deceased’s estate. He needs to clear out the property, which involves a range of activities, but it’s not clear if this task falls under either work or caregiving. The advice he has received has...
Level Crossing Removal Project noise
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan): My constituency question is for the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister Allan. Several constituents of mine have contacted me to tell me about the horrendous noise created by the Level Crossing Removal Project in the early hours of the morning.
I understand the government is looking to stimulate the economy by pushing these projects 24/7 and has offered relocation housing to nearby residents. The biggest contributors to the noise are the pile drivers that operate throughout the night.
Has the government considered stopping...
Homelessness
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (13:27): My question is for the Minister for Health. According to estimates, of the 1000 or so homeless people currently in temporary housing in hotels during this crisis, at least one-third have significant issues relating to drug dependence.
These also include the long-term consequences of some of their ongoing ill health and poor health, as well as chronic hepatitis infections. As I am sure the minister is aware, there is an ongoing hepatitis A outbreak in the state affecting this cohort.
In addition,...