NATIONALS ANNOUNCE SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOUNG LEADERS 2008
The Nationals spokesperson for Education, Peter Hall today announced that The Nationals Scholarship program for Young Leaders will run again in 2008. The scholarship will assist students from rural and regional Victoria through their chosen tertiary course.
The total value of the Scholarship is $5,000 which may be shared amongst one or more successful applicants.
“The scholarship has been a great success over the past two years. The response from students around country Victoria has been overwhelming and of a high calibre. The quality of the applications shows the strength of young people in country Victoria. Six deserving students have so far shared in the scholarship money that will no doubt provide much needed assistance throughout their higher education,” Peter Hall said.
“The Nationals Scholarship offers students a great opportunity to gain financial assistance with their studies and helps reinforce the need to attract promising young leaders to continue to reside and work in country Victoria.”
The selection criteria for The Nationals Scholarship includes the applicant’s academic record, leadership qualities and community involvement. It is intended that The Nationals Scholarship be awarded to students who are intending to return to or remain in the country after their course and demonstrate a career commitment that will ultimately benefit rural/regional Victoria. Special consideration may be given to students in hardship situations for whom the scholarship will provide major assistance.
The application process will open on January 1, 2008 and close on February 25, 2008. Forms can be downloaded from The Nationals website: www.vic.nationals.org.au
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
F.O.I REQUEST ON TRARALGON BY-PASS
East Victorian MP Peter Hall today (Wednesday 19 December) lodged a Freedom Of Information application in a bid to find out what is happening with the proposed Traralgon by-pass.
“It is frankly ridiculous to have to take this action, but the State Government simply refuses to release the results of its own inquiry,” Mr Hall said. “Many people – council, local residents and businesspeople – are extremely frustrated by the lack of information, so this is a way by which we can hopefully find out what is going on.”
He called again for the Government to release the information as soon as possible, rather than have to be forced through the Freedom Of Information process.
“All people want to know is which is the preferred by-pass route,” he said. “I can’t for the life of me understand why people should not know that. We all know there has been an inquiry, we know that there are a couple of options and we know the by-pass will be constructed one day.
“All we want to know at the moment is where the route is, so that planning can take place for the future development of the Traralgon-Morwell corridor.”
Mr Hall and his Nationals’ colleague, Morwell MLA Russell Northe, have been pursuing the Government for months now.
Mr Northe pointed out that an inquiry early this year was a supplementary inquiry following a first inquiry in 2004.
“People locally want to know what the future holds for the area so they can make business and personal decisions about development, including housing, which is becoming a bigger issue with each month that passes,” Mr Northe said.
The supplementary inquiry was completed in the first half of this year, and Mr Northe has a letter in which the previous Premier, Mr Bracks, stating that the committee report was due for completion in the first week of July.
Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament early in November.
“We wonder what there is to hide, or whether it is simply the State Government doesn’t realise this is an important issue,” Mr Hall said.
“I think the State Government is treating the people of this area with contempt and what’s worse, is actively holding back the progress of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland.”
He said he and Mr Northe would push the Freedom Of Information application through as quickly as possible.
“It is frankly ridiculous to have to take this action, but the State Government simply refuses to release the results of its own inquiry,” Mr Hall said. “Many people – council, local residents and businesspeople – are extremely frustrated by the lack of information, so this is a way by which we can hopefully find out what is going on.”
He called again for the Government to release the information as soon as possible, rather than have to be forced through the Freedom Of Information process.
“All people want to know is which is the preferred by-pass route,” he said. “I can’t for the life of me understand why people should not know that. We all know there has been an inquiry, we know that there are a couple of options and we know the by-pass will be constructed one day.
“All we want to know at the moment is where the route is, so that planning can take place for the future development of the Traralgon-Morwell corridor.”
Mr Hall and his Nationals’ colleague, Morwell MLA Russell Northe, have been pursuing the Government for months now.
Mr Northe pointed out that an inquiry early this year was a supplementary inquiry following a first inquiry in 2004.
“People locally want to know what the future holds for the area so they can make business and personal decisions about development, including housing, which is becoming a bigger issue with each month that passes,” Mr Northe said.
The supplementary inquiry was completed in the first half of this year, and Mr Northe has a letter in which the previous Premier, Mr Bracks, stating that the committee report was due for completion in the first week of July.
Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament early in November.
“We wonder what there is to hide, or whether it is simply the State Government doesn’t realise this is an important issue,” Mr Hall said.
“I think the State Government is treating the people of this area with contempt and what’s worse, is actively holding back the progress of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland.”
He said he and Mr Northe would push the Freedom Of Information application through as quickly as possible.
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
WINDFARMS DEVALUE LAND
WINDFARMS DEVALUE LAND
Victorian Nationals Energy spokesman PETER HALL has called on the Government to acknowledge that windfarms devalue properties surrounding the land on which they are sited, and to review planning guidelines to reflect the drop in value.
Mr Hall said that irrefutable proof of property devaluation was contained in conditions attached to a recent planning permit issued by South Gippsland Shire Council.
The condition, attached to a permit to subdivide land adjoining the proposed Bald Hills wind energy facility, requires future land owners to be advised that “residents on the lots may experience detrimental amenity affects arising from the facility such as noise, blade glint and blade flicker.”
Mr Hall said this latest legal requirement comes on top of sworn independent assessments of land devaluation in areas where wind turbines are or are planned to be located.
“The State’s planning guidelines blithely ignore the impact wind turbines have on the value of neighbouring properties and at the very least this impact should be part of the planning considerations. In every other form of development, such impacts are legitimate considerations when determining whether or not a permit should be granted,” Mr Hall said.
Mr Hall said the Shire of South Gippsland had acted very responsibly in attaching the warning as a planning condition.
“The Shire needs to protect itself and the rate payers of South Gippsland against any future legal action,” Mr Hall said.
“It is the State Government which should now re-think its entire wind energy policy.
Wind turbines in the numbers envisaged by the Government will have a major detrimental impact on landscape values, a major impact on nearby residential amenity, an environmental hazard for birdlife and produce comparatively little energy.
“The Government’s renewable energy policies should be targeted at those renewables that have less negative environmental impacts such as solar, geothermal and bio-fuels,” Mr Hall concluded.
Victorian Nationals Energy spokesman PETER HALL has called on the Government to acknowledge that windfarms devalue properties surrounding the land on which they are sited, and to review planning guidelines to reflect the drop in value.
Mr Hall said that irrefutable proof of property devaluation was contained in conditions attached to a recent planning permit issued by South Gippsland Shire Council.
The condition, attached to a permit to subdivide land adjoining the proposed Bald Hills wind energy facility, requires future land owners to be advised that “residents on the lots may experience detrimental amenity affects arising from the facility such as noise, blade glint and blade flicker.”
Mr Hall said this latest legal requirement comes on top of sworn independent assessments of land devaluation in areas where wind turbines are or are planned to be located.
“The State’s planning guidelines blithely ignore the impact wind turbines have on the value of neighbouring properties and at the very least this impact should be part of the planning considerations. In every other form of development, such impacts are legitimate considerations when determining whether or not a permit should be granted,” Mr Hall said.
Mr Hall said the Shire of South Gippsland had acted very responsibly in attaching the warning as a planning condition.
“The Shire needs to protect itself and the rate payers of South Gippsland against any future legal action,” Mr Hall said.
“It is the State Government which should now re-think its entire wind energy policy.
Wind turbines in the numbers envisaged by the Government will have a major detrimental impact on landscape values, a major impact on nearby residential amenity, an environmental hazard for birdlife and produce comparatively little energy.
“The Government’s renewable energy policies should be targeted at those renewables that have less negative environmental impacts such as solar, geothermal and bio-fuels,” Mr Hall concluded.
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
VICFORESTS SHOULD BE REPLACED: HALL
VicForests is “murdering” the native hardwood timber industry in Victoria and should be abolished, according to the Nationals’ Peter Hall.
Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament last week, when he called on the State Government to replace VicForests, after what he described as “an unprecedented period of uncertainty, job losses and economic decline in Victoria's native hardwood timber industry.”
Mr Hall called for VicForests to be replaced with a new organisation, with clear objectives to advance the industry, having regard to social and environmental outcomes and not just economic ones.
“Since the introduction of the Our Forests Our Future policy in 2002 those who choose to remain in the industry were promised a future of greater security and certainty, but the exact opposite has proved to be the case,” Mr Hall told Parliament.
“The timber auction system has been a disaster. It has not served either large or small sawmill operators well. Indeed sawmills have closed since the policy was launched.
“The proposed tender system for harvest and haulage is looming as an even bigger disaster for the sector. VicForests itself has restructured, with two regional offices closing and many internal job losses. On top of that VicForests made an operating loss last year.”
Mr Hall said he feared the Government had another agenda.
“VicForests is required to follow the directions of the minister. If the government does not want a native hardwood timber industry in Victoria, it should come clean, tell us and buy out the rest of the industry.
“If it wants to keep the industry, then I say to the government: get rid of VicForests and put in place an organisation that is prepared to look after the industry, not murder it.”
Mr Hall said if the Government was not prepared to abolish VicForests, it should at least direct VicForests to abandon all plans to tender out harvest and haulage operations.
Outside Parliament, he said tendering out of harvest and haulage operations was not part of the government's Our Forests Our Future policy and nor was it part of the orders in council that established VicForests in the first place.
“I am particularly disappointed that the Minister, in answer to a question I put, indicated that he thought the balance between economic, social and environmental issues was about right at the moment!” Mr Hall said.
“Clearly he speaks to quite different people than I do, because there are many people in the timber industry who are struggling to survive and the plans by VicForests to tender out these activities will only make it worse.”
Mr Hall said the State Government needed to act now if it wanted Victoria to have a hardwood industry in the future. “That of course, is the real question: does this Government want an industry?”
Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament last week, when he called on the State Government to replace VicForests, after what he described as “an unprecedented period of uncertainty, job losses and economic decline in Victoria's native hardwood timber industry.”
Mr Hall called for VicForests to be replaced with a new organisation, with clear objectives to advance the industry, having regard to social and environmental outcomes and not just economic ones.
“Since the introduction of the Our Forests Our Future policy in 2002 those who choose to remain in the industry were promised a future of greater security and certainty, but the exact opposite has proved to be the case,” Mr Hall told Parliament.
“The timber auction system has been a disaster. It has not served either large or small sawmill operators well. Indeed sawmills have closed since the policy was launched.
“The proposed tender system for harvest and haulage is looming as an even bigger disaster for the sector. VicForests itself has restructured, with two regional offices closing and many internal job losses. On top of that VicForests made an operating loss last year.”
Mr Hall said he feared the Government had another agenda.
“VicForests is required to follow the directions of the minister. If the government does not want a native hardwood timber industry in Victoria, it should come clean, tell us and buy out the rest of the industry.
“If it wants to keep the industry, then I say to the government: get rid of VicForests and put in place an organisation that is prepared to look after the industry, not murder it.”
Mr Hall said if the Government was not prepared to abolish VicForests, it should at least direct VicForests to abandon all plans to tender out harvest and haulage operations.
Outside Parliament, he said tendering out of harvest and haulage operations was not part of the government's Our Forests Our Future policy and nor was it part of the orders in council that established VicForests in the first place.
“I am particularly disappointed that the Minister, in answer to a question I put, indicated that he thought the balance between economic, social and environmental issues was about right at the moment!” Mr Hall said.
“Clearly he speaks to quite different people than I do, because there are many people in the timber industry who are struggling to survive and the plans by VicForests to tender out these activities will only make it worse.”
Mr Hall said the State Government needed to act now if it wanted Victoria to have a hardwood industry in the future. “That of course, is the real question: does this Government want an industry?”
Monday, 10 December 2007
Establishing a water substitution target
To address Melbourne’s future water needs the Victorian Government is proposing to take 75 billion litres of water from the Goulburn Valley – a region already desperately short of water- and build a seawater desalination plant at Wonthaggi.
The Government’s plans are expensive leading to a doubling of the price of water for consumers, they will have a negative impact on the environment and are socially divisive.
The Nationals believe a better way forward is to provide effective incentives for industry and households in Melbourne to substitute recycled water and storm water for potable water used for non potable purposes such as flushing toilets, watering lawns and gardens and by industry.
There are huge untapped opportunities to do this given that each year Melbourne Water pumps 300 billion litres of treated sewage into the sea and 500 billions litres of rain water falls in the metropolitan area with most of that entering Port Phillip Bay and Westernport as stormwater runoff.
Our solution involves establishing a mandated water substitution target with the aim of replacing 30 percent or 130 billion litres of the city’s current potable water use with recycled water, treated storm water or rain water by 2020.
The proposal is modelled on comparable Victorian and Commonwealth schemes to promote
renewable energy and more efficient use of electricity.
The Nationals have put out a discussion paper on Establishing a water substitution target which is available from the link below or by directly by clicking on teh heading of this item.
http://www.vic.nationals.org.au/pdf/WaterDiscussionPaper.pdf
Your feedback and comments would be welcome.
Peter
The Government’s plans are expensive leading to a doubling of the price of water for consumers, they will have a negative impact on the environment and are socially divisive.
The Nationals believe a better way forward is to provide effective incentives for industry and households in Melbourne to substitute recycled water and storm water for potable water used for non potable purposes such as flushing toilets, watering lawns and gardens and by industry.
There are huge untapped opportunities to do this given that each year Melbourne Water pumps 300 billion litres of treated sewage into the sea and 500 billions litres of rain water falls in the metropolitan area with most of that entering Port Phillip Bay and Westernport as stormwater runoff.
Our solution involves establishing a mandated water substitution target with the aim of replacing 30 percent or 130 billion litres of the city’s current potable water use with recycled water, treated storm water or rain water by 2020.
The proposal is modelled on comparable Victorian and Commonwealth schemes to promote
renewable energy and more efficient use of electricity.
The Nationals have put out a discussion paper on Establishing a water substitution target which is available from the link below or by directly by clicking on teh heading of this item.
http://www.vic.nationals.org.au/pdf/WaterDiscussionPaper.pdf
Your feedback and comments would be welcome.
Peter
Thursday, 6 December 2007
LOCAL DECISIONS STILL ON SCHOOL UNIFORMS
LOCAL DECISIONS STILL ON SCHOOL UNIFORMS
School councils will be able to continue making their own decisions in relation to school uniforms, if the recommendations of a Parliamentary inquiry are adopted.
Eastern Victorian MP, Peter Hall, a member of the Education and Training Committee that conducted the Inquiry into Dress Codes and School Uniforms in Victorian Schools, has welcomed the recommendations, which leave much of the decision making with local communities.
“There are many issues, such as suitability of clothing for climate, encouraging physical activity by students and cost factors, that can only be considered at a local level,” Mr Hall said. “It became clear early in the inquiry that there is widespread agreement that choices about school uniforms should continue to be made by individual schools and their communities. Quite rightly school councils should be able to make their own decisions.”
The committee came up with a number of other key recommendations. These included that:
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s guidelines encourage schools to consider standards for staff dress and appearance during the development and review of dress codes and school uniform policies.
All Victorian schools include a statement addressing sun protection in their dress codes or school uniform policies and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development promote best practice for incorporating sun protective clothing and sunglasses and;
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development require all Victorian schools to make a sun protective hat available to students as part of their dress codes or school uniform policies.
The Committee also recommended that all schools consider how their school uniform policies can contribute to greater levels of physical activity among students.
Mr Hall said it was interesting to note that most schools already require a uniform.
“The Committee found that 72.8 per cent of Victorian schools have a ‘full’ compulsory school uniform, which requires students to wear summer and winter uniforms specified by the school,” Mr Hall said, quoting the report. “A further 12.4 per cent of schools have a ‘basic’ compulsory uniform, with limited specifications for clothing such as wearing school colours or some items with a school logo, while 7.2 per cent of schools have an optional uniform. Only 0.5 per cent has an ‘occasional’ uniform.”
Mr Hall said another contentious issue raised was whether dress codes and school uniform policies should also apply to teachers and other school staff.
The Committee found that 43.8 per cent of Victorian schools (including 27.1% of government schools) have some form of written dress code for their staff, either setting out general or specific standards of dress. Although the Committee did not consider staff dress codes in detail, it noted that the appearance of school staff may have an influence on students, and believes that many of the issues covered by the inquiry are relevant to dress codes or uniforms for both students and staff.
“The Committee has recommended that schools consider staff dress and appearance when developing and reviewing their dress codes and uniform policies,” Mr Hall said. “This also needs to be based on a sensible approach, depending upon the requirements of the school and the work that is being undertaken by staff.”
The other issue is strengthening the sun protection elements of policies, which the committee believes is one of the most direct ways in which dress codes and school uniforms can support student health and wellbeing.
“The Committee believes sun protection is of such importance that all Victorian schools should be required to include a statement addressing sun protection in their dress codes or school uniform policies,” the committee report said. “This should include providing all students with an option or requirement to wear a sun protective hat, as well as appropriate standards relating to sun protective clothing and sunglasses.”
Mr Hall welcomed the findings of the committee, which he described as a sensible approach to improving school uniform use.
School councils will be able to continue making their own decisions in relation to school uniforms, if the recommendations of a Parliamentary inquiry are adopted.
Eastern Victorian MP, Peter Hall, a member of the Education and Training Committee that conducted the Inquiry into Dress Codes and School Uniforms in Victorian Schools, has welcomed the recommendations, which leave much of the decision making with local communities.
“There are many issues, such as suitability of clothing for climate, encouraging physical activity by students and cost factors, that can only be considered at a local level,” Mr Hall said. “It became clear early in the inquiry that there is widespread agreement that choices about school uniforms should continue to be made by individual schools and their communities. Quite rightly school councils should be able to make their own decisions.”
The committee came up with a number of other key recommendations. These included that:
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s guidelines encourage schools to consider standards for staff dress and appearance during the development and review of dress codes and school uniform policies.
All Victorian schools include a statement addressing sun protection in their dress codes or school uniform policies and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development promote best practice for incorporating sun protective clothing and sunglasses and;
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development require all Victorian schools to make a sun protective hat available to students as part of their dress codes or school uniform policies.
The Committee also recommended that all schools consider how their school uniform policies can contribute to greater levels of physical activity among students.
Mr Hall said it was interesting to note that most schools already require a uniform.
“The Committee found that 72.8 per cent of Victorian schools have a ‘full’ compulsory school uniform, which requires students to wear summer and winter uniforms specified by the school,” Mr Hall said, quoting the report. “A further 12.4 per cent of schools have a ‘basic’ compulsory uniform, with limited specifications for clothing such as wearing school colours or some items with a school logo, while 7.2 per cent of schools have an optional uniform. Only 0.5 per cent has an ‘occasional’ uniform.”
Mr Hall said another contentious issue raised was whether dress codes and school uniform policies should also apply to teachers and other school staff.
The Committee found that 43.8 per cent of Victorian schools (including 27.1% of government schools) have some form of written dress code for their staff, either setting out general or specific standards of dress. Although the Committee did not consider staff dress codes in detail, it noted that the appearance of school staff may have an influence on students, and believes that many of the issues covered by the inquiry are relevant to dress codes or uniforms for both students and staff.
“The Committee has recommended that schools consider staff dress and appearance when developing and reviewing their dress codes and uniform policies,” Mr Hall said. “This also needs to be based on a sensible approach, depending upon the requirements of the school and the work that is being undertaken by staff.”
The other issue is strengthening the sun protection elements of policies, which the committee believes is one of the most direct ways in which dress codes and school uniforms can support student health and wellbeing.
“The Committee believes sun protection is of such importance that all Victorian schools should be required to include a statement addressing sun protection in their dress codes or school uniform policies,” the committee report said. “This should include providing all students with an option or requirement to wear a sun protective hat, as well as appropriate standards relating to sun protective clothing and sunglasses.”
Mr Hall welcomed the findings of the committee, which he described as a sensible approach to improving school uniform use.
HALL WELCOMES GIPPSLAND PARLIAMENTARY SITTINGS
The Nationals Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall says an historic Upper House sitting in Lakes Entrance will be well-received by the local community.
The State Government today announced that the Upper House will sit in Lakes Entrance next October, while the Lower House would meet in Churchill.
“I made representations to the President of the Upper House on behalf of the Lakes Entrance community earlier this year,” Mr Hall said.
“Previous regional sittings of Parliament have focused on issues of concern to country families and I expect that East Gippsland will take centre stage next October.
“Following on from the fires and floods, it is a great opportunity to showcase the region’s attractions in a more positive light.
“I will work with the local business community and East Gippsland Shire Council to capitalise on this opportunity.”
Lakes Entrance Business Tourism Association board member Darren Chester said LEBTA had written to the Upper House President, requesting the Parliamentary sitting.
“Once we learned that the Parliament was considering a sitting in regional Victoria during 2008, we decided to nominate our town as a suitable venue,” Mr Chester said.
“We have received a lot of media attention in recent months which has tended to portray Lakes Entrance and the broader East Gippsland region in a negative manner.
“This is an excellent opportunity to host decision-makers from throughout Victoria and give them a taste of East Gippsland hospitality.”
The State Government today announced that the Upper House will sit in Lakes Entrance next October, while the Lower House would meet in Churchill.
“I made representations to the President of the Upper House on behalf of the Lakes Entrance community earlier this year,” Mr Hall said.
“Previous regional sittings of Parliament have focused on issues of concern to country families and I expect that East Gippsland will take centre stage next October.
“Following on from the fires and floods, it is a great opportunity to showcase the region’s attractions in a more positive light.
“I will work with the local business community and East Gippsland Shire Council to capitalise on this opportunity.”
Lakes Entrance Business Tourism Association board member Darren Chester said LEBTA had written to the Upper House President, requesting the Parliamentary sitting.
“Once we learned that the Parliament was considering a sitting in regional Victoria during 2008, we decided to nominate our town as a suitable venue,” Mr Chester said.
“We have received a lot of media attention in recent months which has tended to portray Lakes Entrance and the broader East Gippsland region in a negative manner.
“This is an excellent opportunity to host decision-makers from throughout Victoria and give them a taste of East Gippsland hospitality.”
Monday, 26 November 2007
WEED MANAGEMENT MONEY STILL NEEDED: HALL
Eastern Victoria MP Peter Hall is pushing the State Government to renew funding for a weed education officer in the Wellington Shire.
Mr Hall raised the issue in Parliament this week, concerned because funding for the position ended in June this year.
Mr Hall believes that with the recent floods and other factors, weed control is still a major issue for Wellington Shire and other parts of Gippsland and more, not less, should be done.
The Nationals’ Energy and Resources spokesman said the issue had been raised by the Maffra and Districts Landcare Network, which expressed concern at the loss of state government funding through the Tackling Weeds on Private Land initiative, a local government weed management grants program.
“As I understand from the letter received from the Landcare network, Wellington shire received funding for this particular position, a part-time weed education officer within the shire, but it expired in June 2007,” Mr Hall said.
“The loss of the funding has placed pressure on Wellington shire and our local Landcare networks to provide this ongoing services. The Wellington shire has been prepared to contribute $35,000 towards pests, plant and animal control projects in their local area each year (and) the Landcare network has made a request of me to at least see some matching funding provided by the state government.”
Some of the activities undertaken as part of the funded program over the last two years included;
Coordinating and improving the Weeds For Trees Program, a program which offers free herbicide to control weeds on shire roadsides and revegetation with native trees.
Liaison with local nurseries regarding responsible plant selection and raising their awareness of plants prohibited for sale.
In partnership with Latrobe City and East Gippsland Shire, producing the Grow Me Instead Booklets which provides information on common garden escapees and non-invasive alternatives for gardens.
Initiating a Weed Mapping system and the purchase of new equipment that will allow the community and Shire staff to collect information on roadside weeds.
Providing advice to Landcare Groups and members and the general community about weed identification and control by attending Landcare meetings, participating in field days and attending to enquiries; and
Discussion with Shire on ground works leaders about Best Practice Weed Management and responsibilities of contractors.
Mr Hall said: “Suffice to say that throughout Wellington shire, like many other rural shires, the issue of weeds is a very important one. In view of the fact that weeds are an important issue, particularly in a large rural shire like Wellington which has experienced floods in the last 12 months, which exacerbates the spread of weed problems, I think it is a more than reasonable request that the state government again contribute to funding an education officer.”
Mr Hall said he would continue to pursue the matter with the State Government.
Mr Hall raised the issue in Parliament this week, concerned because funding for the position ended in June this year.
Mr Hall believes that with the recent floods and other factors, weed control is still a major issue for Wellington Shire and other parts of Gippsland and more, not less, should be done.
The Nationals’ Energy and Resources spokesman said the issue had been raised by the Maffra and Districts Landcare Network, which expressed concern at the loss of state government funding through the Tackling Weeds on Private Land initiative, a local government weed management grants program.
“As I understand from the letter received from the Landcare network, Wellington shire received funding for this particular position, a part-time weed education officer within the shire, but it expired in June 2007,” Mr Hall said.
“The loss of the funding has placed pressure on Wellington shire and our local Landcare networks to provide this ongoing services. The Wellington shire has been prepared to contribute $35,000 towards pests, plant and animal control projects in their local area each year (and) the Landcare network has made a request of me to at least see some matching funding provided by the state government.”
Some of the activities undertaken as part of the funded program over the last two years included;
Coordinating and improving the Weeds For Trees Program, a program which offers free herbicide to control weeds on shire roadsides and revegetation with native trees.
Liaison with local nurseries regarding responsible plant selection and raising their awareness of plants prohibited for sale.
In partnership with Latrobe City and East Gippsland Shire, producing the Grow Me Instead Booklets which provides information on common garden escapees and non-invasive alternatives for gardens.
Initiating a Weed Mapping system and the purchase of new equipment that will allow the community and Shire staff to collect information on roadside weeds.
Providing advice to Landcare Groups and members and the general community about weed identification and control by attending Landcare meetings, participating in field days and attending to enquiries; and
Discussion with Shire on ground works leaders about Best Practice Weed Management and responsibilities of contractors.
Mr Hall said: “Suffice to say that throughout Wellington shire, like many other rural shires, the issue of weeds is a very important one. In view of the fact that weeds are an important issue, particularly in a large rural shire like Wellington which has experienced floods in the last 12 months, which exacerbates the spread of weed problems, I think it is a more than reasonable request that the state government again contribute to funding an education officer.”
Mr Hall said he would continue to pursue the matter with the State Government.
Monday, 19 November 2007
BE WARY AROUND WATER: HALL
With summer just around the corner and the lure of the beach and pool increasing, Eastern Victoria MP Peter Hall is urging all people to take care around the water.
He was speaking after the release of the 2007 Victorian Drowning Summary, which showed that in the 12 months to June 2007 the number of deaths by drowning in the State was 37.
“This was the lowest number on record and Victoria also has the lowest rate of any State in Australia, but of course 37 deaths by drowning are still too many,” Mr Hall said.
“It is timely to think about safety around the water, especially in a place like Gippsland with its long coastlines and numerous beaches and as we look forward to lots of visitors for summer.”
Mr Hall said there were some fairly simple steps to take to reduce the number of drownings, although those steps can vary depending on age groups.
“For example while there has been an overall decrease in the number of toddler deaths, there was a jump in the number of home pool drownings in the last 12 months. A key factor was the maintenance of fences and gates around pools. Some simple work to ensure fences are in good condition and gate latches are working will help with that.”
Mr Hall said with young adults, that is the 15 to 24 age group, males were generally more at risk. In the past six years, most deaths occur in open waterways such as at the beach or in rivers.
“Very often deaths in this age occur when people are under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, when young men in particular tend to place themselves in high risk situations. It indicates the need to be sensible when around water.”
The figures for the 25 to 34 age group showed similar problems with alcohol or illicit drugs, although more people in this age group died while taking part in activities such as boating, diving or skin-diving, and in some instances rock fishing.
Mr Hall said the other thing all people could do was to undertake some basic training in first aid so as to be prepared in the case of a near drowning incident.
“As well as keeping close watch on their children, it is useful for parents and older children to learn resuscitation,” he said.
“There are also Junior Lifeguard Club activities that provide an alternative to swimming lessons for eight to 15 year olds.”
Mr Hall said the main message was to be safe and vigilant around the water, whether in the back yard at home or at the beach or other open waterways.
“The aim is to have no deaths by drowning and that is a whole of community responsibility,” he said.
He was speaking after the release of the 2007 Victorian Drowning Summary, which showed that in the 12 months to June 2007 the number of deaths by drowning in the State was 37.
“This was the lowest number on record and Victoria also has the lowest rate of any State in Australia, but of course 37 deaths by drowning are still too many,” Mr Hall said.
“It is timely to think about safety around the water, especially in a place like Gippsland with its long coastlines and numerous beaches and as we look forward to lots of visitors for summer.”
Mr Hall said there were some fairly simple steps to take to reduce the number of drownings, although those steps can vary depending on age groups.
“For example while there has been an overall decrease in the number of toddler deaths, there was a jump in the number of home pool drownings in the last 12 months. A key factor was the maintenance of fences and gates around pools. Some simple work to ensure fences are in good condition and gate latches are working will help with that.”
Mr Hall said with young adults, that is the 15 to 24 age group, males were generally more at risk. In the past six years, most deaths occur in open waterways such as at the beach or in rivers.
“Very often deaths in this age occur when people are under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, when young men in particular tend to place themselves in high risk situations. It indicates the need to be sensible when around water.”
The figures for the 25 to 34 age group showed similar problems with alcohol or illicit drugs, although more people in this age group died while taking part in activities such as boating, diving or skin-diving, and in some instances rock fishing.
Mr Hall said the other thing all people could do was to undertake some basic training in first aid so as to be prepared in the case of a near drowning incident.
“As well as keeping close watch on their children, it is useful for parents and older children to learn resuscitation,” he said.
“There are also Junior Lifeguard Club activities that provide an alternative to swimming lessons for eight to 15 year olds.”
Mr Hall said the main message was to be safe and vigilant around the water, whether in the back yard at home or at the beach or other open waterways.
“The aim is to have no deaths by drowning and that is a whole of community responsibility,” he said.
Thursday, 15 November 2007
War Memorial Funding Open
Funds will be available soon to enhance and preserve local war memorials and honour boards across Gippsland.
Eastern Victoria MP, Peter Hall, is encouraging local communities and organisations to apply for the funds under the Restoring Community War Memorials Grants Program, which is now open.
“War memorials are an intrinsic part of most communities and recognise the sacrifices made by Australians in war, sacrifices that should always be remembered,” Mr Hall said.
“This is an opportunity to restore and maintain those memorials and I hope many Gippsland groups put their hand up for a grant before the closing date for applications Friday, February 8, 2008.”
One-off grants of up to $10,000 plus GST are available under the program.
Applications can be made by any Victorian ex-service organisation, local council, school or community organisation, provided that:
• Applicants are based in Victoria and projects are funded for the benefit of Victorians
• The memorial or honour roll is on publicly accessible land
• The applicant is an incorporated organisation, OR is applying in partnership with an incorporated organisation which has agreed to manage the project funds
• There are non-government resources contributing to the project, either financial or in-kind support.
Examples of the type of projects that will be considered for funding include repairs to broken statues that form part of a memorial, repairs to barriers and fences that surround and protect a memorial, the rectification of sinking foundations, re-lettering of honour rolls, the installation of additional plaques on existing memorials or additional names on existing honour rolls, the installation of explanatory walls (a written explanation that provides historical context about the memorial and its place in the community), the installation of memorial lighting at the commemorative site and landscaping including the installation of seating and paving and the planting of trees around the commemorative site.
“There are other activities that can be funded, so I would urge interested groups to seek information and hopefully gain the funding support,” Mr Hall said.
A copy of the application form can be downloaded at www.veterans.vic.gov.au or by phoning Information Victoria on 1300 366356.
Saturday, 10 November 2007
GOVERNMENT REFUSES TRARALGON BY-PASS INFORMATION
The State Government is refusing to divulge any information regarding an inquiry into the plans for a by-pass of Traralgon.
East Victorian MP Peter Hall raised the matter in Parliament early last month – some three months after the inquiry report was due to be released – but has just been told by the Planning Minister in a letter dated 31 October, that there is still no news on the by-pass route.
“It is becoming ridiculous and is causing uncertainty in the development of the largest population centre in Gippsland,” Mr Hall said. “What people want to know is the route of the by-pass, so they can plan appropriately for the future.
“Surely that is not that much of an ask, especially since the report by the Traralgon by-pass supplementary inquiry was apparently completed some five months ago.”
Morwell MLA, Russell Northe, pointed out that the inquiry early this year was a supplementary inquiry, which indicated that there had been at least two such inquiries so far.
“People locally want to know what the future holds for the area so they can make business and personal decisions about development, including housing, which is becoming a bigger issue with each month that passes,” Mr Northe said.
Mr Hall said the inquiry established earlier this year was to take a further look at the decision on the route chosen by the original advisory committee inquiry in 2004. The focus of the supplementary inquiry was on the proposed Princes Highway bypass route on the western side of Traralgon.
Mr Northe has a letter in which the previous Premier, Mr Bracks, states that the committee report was due for completion in the first week of July.
However, when Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament in October, the Planning Minister Justin Madden had little knowledge of what was happening.
In the letter to Mr Hall following his question in Parliament, the Minister refused to make any comment. “The Government is not in a position to comment on the content or release of the report, or any likely outcomes,” the Minister said.
Mr Hall reiterated that it was an important matter for the future development of the City of Latrobe and in particular for the corridor between Traralgon and Morwell.
“The Government does not seem to think this is important, but it clearly is to the people of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland,” he said.
“The report has been done, the supplementary inquiry has been held under the leadership of the former member for Morwell, Keith Hamilton – there seems no good reason to delay in the announcement.
“Mr Northe and I will keep after the Minister to provide the information.”
CARDINIA SHIRE MISSING OUT ON RURAL FUNDING
Large parts of the Cardinia Shire are missing out on funding opportunities because the whole of the municipally is classified as metropolitan, according to the Nationals.
Eastern Victoria MP, The Nationals’ Peter Hall, said the Shire was missing out on opportunities for better funding arrangements in areas as diverse as roads and kindergartens, despite the fact that most of the Shire was rural in nature.
Following a meeting in Pakenham with the Cardinia Shire Council, Mr Hall has called in Parliament for the Premier to look closely into the issue.
“Cardinia is at the rural-urban interface, and certainly one could argue it is part metropolitan, but I think equally any reasonable person visiting the shire would regard a significant component of it to be rural in its nature,” Mr Hall said. “Yet for the purpose of a good number of government funding programs it is classified as totally metropolitan.”
Mr Hall said the Council itself made a good argument that about 30 per cent of the shire could be classified as metropolitan, that is the growth corridor which extends largely along the Princes Highway as far as Pakenham.
“But that the other 70 per cent is rural. For example, if you look at places like Bunyip, Nar Nar Goon, Cockatoo, Lang Lang and Koo Wee Rup, it is clear that they are very much rural in their nature,” Mr Hall added.
A major disadvantage of this is in regard to road funding.
“As a metropolitan municipality it has to compete with the large metropolitan municipalities and compete against major Melbourne arterial roads for funding, and therefore it does not do as well out of road funding.
“Because it is (classified) a metropolitan shire, it is required to contribute funds on a one-to-one basis for project funding from the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund, whereas if it were classified as a rural municipality, that ratio would be two parts government contribution and one part local council contribution.”
Kindergarten funding is another major issue for the shire, Mr Hall said.
“There are a number of kindergartens in the shire that are now in jeopardy of being classified as metropolitan and of receiving far less funding. The kindergartens in Lang Lang and Koo Wee Rup in particular this year have had to go through a fight to obtain sufficient funding to enable them to continue to run a program. They are not big places, and they are not big kindergartens with big numbers.”
Mr Hall concluded that the answer is to redefine the urban growth boundary so it just takes in part of the municipality and not the whole of it, so that it can access rural programs for those areas that are truly rural.
“I ask the Premier to look closely into this matter and to consider those views.”
Saturday, 3 November 2007
CREATIVE SOLUTION TO COUNTRY DENTAL SHORTAGE
CREATIVE SOLUTION TO COUNTRY DENTAL SHORTAGE
The State Government needs to be more creative in making dental services available to country Victorians, according to The Nationals.
Eastern Victoria MP, Peter Hall, this week put forward a proposal based on the medical patient transport assistance scheme, whereby travel vouchers could be provided to people who needed to go to Melbourne for quicker treatment.
Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament after a constituent who was facing a 12 week wait for dental treatment in the Latrobe Valley was able to access a Melbourne appointment in about two weeks.
“When I was talking to a constituent who phoned my office last week, she suggested that within a matter of weeks she could get an appointment if she travelled to Melbourne to consult a dentist. She checked it out and found that she could get an appointment within two weeks compared to almost a 12 week delay in Traralgon.
“It occurred to me that the government could be a bit more creative in resolving this problem for country people by offering a scheme similar to the patient transport assistance scheme, whereby country people are given some reimbursement if they are required to travel to Melbourne to attend a specialist’s clinic.”
Mr Hall said it would be a simple procedure for the Government to issue, for example, a public transport travel voucher to enable travel to Melbourne for people in dire need of dental work.
He called on the Health Minister to consider the idea and act on it quickly.
“There may be other ways to address this problem, but that is one suggestion I put forward to the government for consideration and comment.”
Mr Hall said the delay in dental services was chronic in many country areas.
He gave another example of a constituent who had rung 22 dental practices across the Gippsland region.
“I am not talking about public dental practices; I am talking about both public and private dental practices. She rang 22 and could not get an appointment until January of next year.”
Mr Hall had raised the issue earlier with the Health Minister, writing to him in September on behalf of a constituent who could not get an appointment until February next year.
“The government has said it is trying to do some things to address this problem, but there is no short term solution to getting more dentists to country Victoria,” Mr Hall said. “What I am suggesting could ease the problem and provide some sort of solution for country people.”
TAMBORITHA ROAD REPAIR URGENT
Every effort must be made to expedite the repair of the Tamboritha Road to assist in Gippsland’s economic recovery following a year of fire and flood, according to Eastern Victoria MP, Peter Hall.
Mr Hall has called on the State Government to make the Tamboritha Road repair a high priority, as there are fears it could be closed for up to another 12 months after it was severely damaged in the mid-year floods.
“One of the townships which was most severely affected was Licola, where roads and bridges were washed out, much private property was lost and significant and serious environmental damage occurred,” Mr Hall told Parliament this week.
“The Licola-Heyfield area desperately needs visitors to return to assist the economic recovery, so as a matter of urgency I call on the government to expedite the repair of the Tamboritha Road so that Victorians can again experience the beauty of our high country, and the local community can be boosted by the return of visitors to the area,” Mr Hall said in Parliament this week.
Mr Hall pointed out it is an access road to some of the high country's most popular areas of natural beauty, including Moroka Gorge, Lake Tali Karng and Bryce's Gorge.
Outside Parliament he noted that while some alternate access could be made to these areas, there was a number of businesses that relied on travellers along the Tamboritha Road that may not be able to survive a prolonged repair effort.
“Quite clearly the local community and the Wellington Shire Council believe this is the highest priority.
“I know they would like to see some interim access along Tamboritha Road by Christmas if possible or by the Easter next year if possible.
“Some quite remarkable work has been done on the Licola Road, but I would urge the Government finish the job and move as quickly as possible on the Tamboritha Road,” Mr Hall said.
Thursday, 18 October 2007
GUN LICENCE RENEWAL SHOULD BE AUTOMATIC
Automatic renewal of firearms licences should take place every five years, rather than requiring gun owners to reapply for the licence again, according to the Victorian Nationals.Eastern Region MP Peter Hall raised the matter in Parliament last week, suggesting that an automatic licence renewal, with some requirements for mandatory reporting of changes circumstances, was a simpler and less time consuming process.
Mr Hall said The Nationals were not suggesting that licences be issued for 10 years, but rather have five-year licences that can be renewed automatically.
Mr Hall supported a proposal put forward by the Combined Firearms Council of Victoria.
“It has identified the automatic renewal of licences as one of its prime concerns,” he said. “(The Council) says: The Firearms Act currently treats each licence renewal as a new application. Given the initial licence screening and ongoing monitoring of licence-holders by the Victoria Police, the requirement that renewals be treated as new applications does not add any value to the regulatory process. In fact, it adds costs to all concerned.
“Amending the act to provide for automatic renewals would not affect the ability of the chief commissioner to revoke a licence, and a new provision could be inserted to enable her to refuse to renew a licence that would otherwise be scheduled for automatic renewal.
“Moving to automatic renewals would release badly needed resources within the licensing services division to perform other functions as well as making the interface with shooters more 'user friendly'.
Automatic renewals would provide administrative efficiency without having any impact on public safety -- therefore providing a net benefit.”
“The CFCV has expressed the argument very well,” Mr Hall added. “There should be a requirement for any licence-holder to notify authorities when there are changes of a significant nature to the circumstances and records attached to that particular licence.
“There is an automatic renewal process for a motor vehicle licence, but if for some reason there is a change in one's personal circumstance -- for example, certain medical conditions -- there is a mandatory requirement to notify VicRoads.”
Mr Hall he did not believe the suggestion contravened the national firearms agreement. “On my reading of it, the agreement suggests that a firearm licence cannot be issued for longer than five years. That can be so.
“We are saying that we can continue to have five-year firearm licences but that they be renewed automatically, rather than requiring a separate application to renew each licence.”
Mr Hall added that legal firearm owners had displayed great common sense in recent years.
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
PUBLIC MISSES OUT IF COMMERCIAL FISHING BANNED
Plans to ban netting by commercial fishermen in Western Port and other parts of the State could deny people the opportunity of purchasing fresh, local fish right across the State, according to The Nationals.
The Nationals Resources and Environment spokesperson Peter Hall attempted to water down legislation to ban netting in
Mr Hall expressed his disappointment that all other parties had meekly ‘rolled over’ in the face of a Government decision to ban netting in
He also said the action would put at risk the availability of fresh fish to the general public.
“One of the great attractions of going to a coastal area of
“The attraction of travelling to Lorne or
“(But) in places like Mallacoota, for example, where the government compulsorily closed down commercial netting, there is no local product available for purchase.
“I make the claim that once we close commercial netting in
“There will be an impact on businesses such as those in the restaurant and hospitality industry. The tourism industry will also suffer because of the lack of opportunity to supply fresh food and attract people.
“Moreover, the alarming thing is what will happen if this trend continues. It was only a little over 12 months ago that we saw a compulsory closure of commercial fishing in
Mr Hall quoted from Government sources in regard to fish numbers in
“I refer to a document, produced by the government, by the Department of Primary Industries, entitled Fisheries Victoria Commercial Fish Production Information Bulletin, published in November 2006.
“King George whiting is a very popular species in
“In 1999-2000 the take was 12 tonnes of King George whiting; currently it is 11 tonnes. If you look at the figures throughout you can see that they have been very consistent over that period of time. In 1999-2000 the total catch (commercial and recreational) out of
Mr Hall said the information on snapper showed a similar trend.
He quoted the Fisheries Co-Management Council 2005-06 annual report, which said: In the past few years anecdotal information suggests that anglers in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port bay have experienced the best snapper fishing for decades.’’
Mr Hall added: “It goes on to say: ‘... the estimated total recreational snapper catch taken from Victorian waters was about 475 000 fish that weighed 330 tonnes. In 2000-01 the total reported Victorian catch was 74 tonnes.”
Mr Hall said with just 74 tonnes taken commercially, as opposed to 330 tonnes in an estimated recreational take, less than a quarter of snapper are caught commercially.
“If the fisheries are booming in Western Port, as stated by the co-management council, and if the commercial catch is only about a quarter of that taken by recreational fishers, I again make the claim that the removal of commercial netting from Western Port would have no significant impact on fish resources or resource management in Western Port.”
Mr Hall said the Government’s decision was not based on scientific grounds, but was “ideological, philosophical and political opportunism.”
Thursday, 11 October 2007
CALL FOR BY-PASS INQUIRY RESULTS
The State Government’s delay in announcing the results of an inquiry into plans for a Traralgon by-pass is creating uncertainty in the local community, according to The National Party.
Eastern Region MP Peter Hall said the results of the inquiry, according to former Premier Steve Bracks, should have been released more than three months ago.
“Even more disturbing is that Planning Minister, Justin Madden, doesn’t know what’s going on,” Mr Hall said. “When I raised the matter in Parliament this week, he had no answers.”
Mr Hall was supported by Morwell MLA, Russell Northe, who said the growth in the local region required the Government to act quickly.
“People locally want to know what the future holds for the area so they can make business and personal decisions about development, including housing,” Mr Northe said.
In Parliament, Mr Hall asked the Minister about the Traralgon by-pass supplementary inquiry.
“The inquiry was established earlier this year to take a further look at the decision on the route chosen by the original advisory committee inquiry in 2004 in bypassing Traralgon,” Mr Hall said.
“In particular the focus of this supplementary inquiry was on the proposed
Mr Hall said he made a submission to the supplementary inquiry, which is chaired by Keith Hamilton, a former member for Morwell, way back in April.
“Recent inquiries directed to the government regarding progress on this inquiry resulted in advice being given to my colleague the current member for Morwell, Mr Russell Northe, by the then Premier, Steve Bracks, in a letter dated 18 June.
“Importantly he (Mr Bracks) mentioned; ‘The committee's report is not expected to be completed until
Mr Hall said more than three months since the report was due, there was still no word.
And the response from the Planning Minister was less than satisfactory.
“Mr Madden really had no idea what was going on,” Mr Hall said outside Parliament.
“His was a particularly lame response. He said he thought it was with the department but really had no idea of its status.”
Mr Hall added: “This is an important matter for the future development of the City of
Mr Hall and Mr Northe have called on the Minister to make available the report of the supplementary inquiry immediately and that he announce “as a matter of urgency” the government's decision regarding the preferred bypass route.
POLICE DESERVE PRAISE
Eastern Region MP Peter Hall has heaped praise on local police, making a point of congratulating in Parliament a number of local force members recognised with service medals.
Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament after attending the National Medal and Victoria Police Service Medal award ceremony held in Morwell early this month.
“On that occasion 47 officers of the Victoria Police coming from the
“It is appropriate to reflect on the outstanding commitment, dedication and contribution made by police officers in this state, and particularly their efforts to maintain community safety. Policing must be one of the most difficult professions to practise.
“It is a profession where personal courage is an attribute more frequently called upon than in many other professions.
“I want to thank and congratulate all of those people and extend my greatest admiration to the officers who received recognition last Wednesday, and also their colleagues in the Victorian police force.”
Mr Hall made particular reference to Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Gilbert, who is with the criminal investigation unit based in the
“Keith has chalked up 35 years service with Victoria Police and has been an outstanding member of the force over that time,” Mr Hall said.
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
OPPORTUNITY FOR FISHING GRANTS
Information about the Recreational Fishing Grants Program (RFGP) 2007/08 is now available through the office of Eastern Region MP Peter Hall, who is urging local groups and anglers to take advantage of the 2008 funding round.“Recreational fishing is a major activity in Gippsland, with our network of rivers and long coastal stretches,” Mr Hall said. “This is an opportunity to get hold of some of the recreational fishing license money anglers contribute each year so we can improve our facilities in the region.”
Funding is available in four categories, with the exclusive aim of improving recreational fishing in Victoria.
The categories include activities that support:
· Recreational fisheries’ sustainability and habitat improvement (including fish stocking)
· Recreational fishing access and facilities (but not boating facilities)
· Recreational fisheries research; and
· Recreational fisheries related education, information and training.
“Funding is provided to incorporated, statutory and Government bodies and registered companies,” Mr Hall said. “However I note that any individuals who have good ideas can get their angling club, association, local council, Catchment Management Authority or the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) to support and submit their application.”
Mr Hall added that last year Gippsland received $166,000 through the program for activities as diverse as implementing the fishery and habitat research components of the Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Management Plan, installation of signage and construction of fishing platforms at various locations in central Gippsland, the implementation of integrated approaches and the monitoring and assessment of recreational estuarine fisheries for Anderson Inlet, Mallacoota Inlet, and funds to design and construct a fishing platform on Merriman’s Creek Island at Seaspray.
“However we didn’t do the best of the regions in Victoria, so we need people to put their hand up for some local projects that will enhance our recreational fishing assets.”
More information about the program is available by contacting Mr Hall’s office on telephone 5174 7066, or via the internet on www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing
Applications must be submitted by the end of February, 2008. Eligible proposals are referred to the Minister for funding consideration by May 2008.
Funding is available in four categories, with the exclusive aim of improving recreational fishing in Victoria.
The categories include activities that support:
· Recreational fisheries’ sustainability and habitat improvement (including fish stocking)
· Recreational fishing access and facilities (but not boating facilities)
· Recreational fisheries research; and
· Recreational fisheries related education, information and training.
“Funding is provided to incorporated, statutory and Government bodies and registered companies,” Mr Hall said. “However I note that any individuals who have good ideas can get their angling club, association, local council, Catchment Management Authority or the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) to support and submit their application.”
Mr Hall added that last year Gippsland received $166,000 through the program for activities as diverse as implementing the fishery and habitat research components of the Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Management Plan, installation of signage and construction of fishing platforms at various locations in central Gippsland, the implementation of integrated approaches and the monitoring and assessment of recreational estuarine fisheries for Anderson Inlet, Mallacoota Inlet, and funds to design and construct a fishing platform on Merriman’s Creek Island at Seaspray.
“However we didn’t do the best of the regions in Victoria, so we need people to put their hand up for some local projects that will enhance our recreational fishing assets.”
More information about the program is available by contacting Mr Hall’s office on telephone 5174 7066, or via the internet on www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing
Applications must be submitted by the end of February, 2008. Eligible proposals are referred to the Minister for funding consideration by May 2008.
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
LRH NEEDS FINALLY ON HEALTH MINISTER'S RADAR
Local Nationals MPs Peter Hall and Russell Northe are pleased the need for expanded facilities at Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) is on the radar of new health Minister, Daniel Andrews.Both members have called on the State Government to commit funds for the refurbishment and expansion of the hospital’s emergency department in their respective houses throughout the year.
Member for Eastern Region, Peter Hall said the afore-mentioned was one of a range of service and capital requirements identified by the hospital board in their strategic plan.
"Pressure on the emergency department is compounded by excessive demand for mental health services in our region, creating a vicious cycle whereby the hospital is forced to use inpatient beds inadequately thus reducing resources for inpatients in general," Mr Hall said.
"The capacity of the emergency department to keep up with the demands of a growing Latrobe community is limited and we seek assurances the Brumby Government will work with hospital management to ensure adequate services are delivered to residents in the valley," said Mr Northe.
The Nationals parliamentarians agreed the strain on current services was impacting on staff and management as well as patients.
"Our office receives numerous calls from families of patients saying they appreciate the efforts of hard-working staff but that the facilities cannot adequately cater for the number of people presenting for treatment," Mr Northe commented.
Mr Hall said he was hopeful LRH’s master plans, due for completion next year, would receive the support and financial backing of the State Government following Minister Andrew’s visit yesterday.
Whilst the MPs were disappointed the previous Minister had failed to comply with a request to meet with them to discuss LRH before shifting portfolio, Mr Northe said he was pleased Minister Andrews had made the effort to leave the city to view the regional health facility
first-hand.
Monday, 24 September 2007
NATS SUPPORT FULL PROGRAM OF AERIAL BAITING
The Nationals Spokesman for Natural Resources Peter Hall said the State Government should move to a full program of aerial baiting for wild dogs after details of an embarrassing mistake with the level of poison used in the first trial.Mr Hall said that trials conducted in New South Wales had already found that aerial baiting was a legitimate technique for controlling wild dogs and it was unlikely to have an impact on the quoll population.
The Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) this week confirmed that an error during preparation resulted in baits used in a Victorian trial failing to contain enough 1080 poison to kill wild dogs. DPI plans to re-run the trial in November but Mr Hall supports a full program of aerial baiting as soon as practical.
“The mix up over the baits is embarrassing because it looks like DPI has been feeding the dogs rather than killing them,” Mr Hall said.
“There’s no point criticising DPI over human error – a mistake has been made but we have to move on and introduce a full program of aerial baiting.
“There is already evidence available from trials in northern and southern New South Wales and the longer we wait, the more native animals and domestic stock that are killed by wild dogs.
“As part of a comprehensive program of trapping, shooting and exclusion fencing, the aerial baiting will allow Victorian DPI officers to target dogs in areas that are difficult to access, particularly in East Gippsland and the North-East.
“The State Government should stop wasting time and move immediately to implement a full program of aerial baiting while retaining all other initiatives to control wild dogs.
“There is widespread community support for aerial baiting and as land manager of vast areas of public land, the State Government has a responsibility to control pests on ‘their’ property.”
Saturday, 22 September 2007
REMOVE UNCERTAINTY FOR TIMBER INDUSTRY
Eastern Victoria MP Peter Hall has again called for the State Government to immediately cancel plans to tender out Victorian timber industry harvest and haulage contracts.
Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament again this week, and said the present system put in place by VicForests was a major disincentive to investment and therefore jobs, because operators had no certainty.
Mr Hall also accused the State Government of putting into practice what the Federal Labor party is criticising - sacking workers and readvertising their jobs through a tender process.
“That is what this Victorian government is responsible for in respect of these operations,” Mr Hall said.
“People in this industry need the certainty that was promised to them … (but) the more they hear, the more forest contractors are concerned,” Mr Hall told Parliament.
“VicForests has announced that it will put to tender all functions associated with the harvest and haulage of timber from public land in Victoria. Plans to do this are already well advanced, with a tender process being developed.
“Information workshops have been held and literature has been distributed to those in the harvest and haulage sector,” he added.
Mr Hall said the new tendering process puts at risk the jobs of hundreds of Victorian timber workers and investments of many millions of dollars.
“In the last couple of weeks, 14 East Gippsland contractors have written to me expressing their concerns. One of them says that in the last few years they have invested $2.7 million in new equipment. They employ nine people, and those nine people directly support 30 all up.
“A contractor wrote to me, having invested $380 000 recently in a new truck and trailer. Another company from East Gippsland has invested $780,000, and another company has invested $1.5 million in new equipment.
“Now, with the new uncertainty about their jobs, all of that investment is put at risk.”
Mr Hall said there was no need for what he described as “radical changes.”
“Under the present system, if a contractor is not performing, that contract can be terminated, so there is no need to contract out all of the harvest and haulage work.”
Mr Hall said: “In many ways the Victorian government, through VicForests, is doing exactly what federal Labor is so critical of the federal coalition government of doing -- that is, sacking workers and readvertising their jobs through a tender process.”
Mr Hall said the Minister for Agriculture should immediately cancel all plans to tender out harvest and haulage contracts and roll over the existing contracts.
“People in this industry need the certainty that was promised to them post Our Forests Our Future; however, it seems that the phrase adopted by many -- that is, 'Our Forests No Future' -- is more appropriate, given this government's failure to provide any such certainty.”
Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament again this week, and said the present system put in place by VicForests was a major disincentive to investment and therefore jobs, because operators had no certainty.
Mr Hall also accused the State Government of putting into practice what the Federal Labor party is criticising - sacking workers and readvertising their jobs through a tender process.
“That is what this Victorian government is responsible for in respect of these operations,” Mr Hall said.
“People in this industry need the certainty that was promised to them … (but) the more they hear, the more forest contractors are concerned,” Mr Hall told Parliament.
“VicForests has announced that it will put to tender all functions associated with the harvest and haulage of timber from public land in Victoria. Plans to do this are already well advanced, with a tender process being developed.
“Information workshops have been held and literature has been distributed to those in the harvest and haulage sector,” he added.
Mr Hall said the new tendering process puts at risk the jobs of hundreds of Victorian timber workers and investments of many millions of dollars.
“In the last couple of weeks, 14 East Gippsland contractors have written to me expressing their concerns. One of them says that in the last few years they have invested $2.7 million in new equipment. They employ nine people, and those nine people directly support 30 all up.
“A contractor wrote to me, having invested $380 000 recently in a new truck and trailer. Another company from East Gippsland has invested $780,000, and another company has invested $1.5 million in new equipment.
“Now, with the new uncertainty about their jobs, all of that investment is put at risk.”
Mr Hall said there was no need for what he described as “radical changes.”
“Under the present system, if a contractor is not performing, that contract can be terminated, so there is no need to contract out all of the harvest and haulage work.”
Mr Hall said: “In many ways the Victorian government, through VicForests, is doing exactly what federal Labor is so critical of the federal coalition government of doing -- that is, sacking workers and readvertising their jobs through a tender process.”
Mr Hall said the Minister for Agriculture should immediately cancel all plans to tender out harvest and haulage contracts and roll over the existing contracts.
“People in this industry need the certainty that was promised to them post Our Forests Our Future; however, it seems that the phrase adopted by many -- that is, 'Our Forests No Future' -- is more appropriate, given this government's failure to provide any such certainty.”
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Water Debate Parliament
On Wedensday I moved a motion in the Parliament as follows:
That this house requires the Environment and Natural Resources Committee to inquire, consider and report no later than 31 December 2008 on the relative merits of supplementing Melbourne's water supply by some or all of the following means:
(1) further water savings that can be achieved by increased conservation and efficiency efforts;
(2) the collection of stormwater;
(3) the reuse of treated wastewater;
(4) the use of groundwater;
(5) small locally based desalination plants;
(6) any other optional water source which appears to the committee to be appropriate; and
calls on the Victorian government to suspend plans to take water from the Goulburn catchment and for the construction of the proposed desalination plant at Wonthaggi until such time as the committee has reported.
The debate in the house went for four hours and you can find a transcript of my speech by following the link in the above heading of this article.
Regards
Peter
That this house requires the Environment and Natural Resources Committee to inquire, consider and report no later than 31 December 2008 on the relative merits of supplementing Melbourne's water supply by some or all of the following means:
(1) further water savings that can be achieved by increased conservation and efficiency efforts;
(2) the collection of stormwater;
(3) the reuse of treated wastewater;
(4) the use of groundwater;
(5) small locally based desalination plants;
(6) any other optional water source which appears to the committee to be appropriate; and
calls on the Victorian government to suspend plans to take water from the Goulburn catchment and for the construction of the proposed desalination plant at Wonthaggi until such time as the committee has reported.
The debate in the house went for four hours and you can find a transcript of my speech by following the link in the above heading of this article.
Regards
Peter
Monday, 17 September 2007
School Hearings Update
Recently as a member of the Parliament of Victoria’s Education and Training Committee, I chaired the Upper House hearings where 128 students from 30 Government schools across Victoria came to present their views on school uniforms in the Parliamentary chambers.
It was a highly informative and enjoyable experience for me where I had the opportunity to directly talk and interact with a great many young people form across Victoria.
I was especially pleased to be able to meet students from Stockdale Road Primary School, Traralgon. Pictured with me are students Lachlan Aitken, Abbey Shaw, Amanda Beattie (in front), Sarah VanDorssen, Rebecca O'Connor and Mr Nazih Elasmar, M.L.C.
The Students discussed school uniforms, and how it affects students in their day to day lives. Issues covered in the mock Bill included enforcement of uniform policies, equity and anti-discrimination issues, health and safety, community consultation, and uniform costs and purchasing.
Thursday, 13 September 2007
CHILD SAFETY FACTS SHEETS NOW AVAILABLE
CHILD SAFETY FACTS SHEETS NOW AVAILABLE: HALL
Eastern Region MP Peter Hall is recommending to Parents, Carers and Teachers a series of free Child Safety Fact Sheets produced by the Royal Children Hospital.
Mr Hall said “The facts sheets cover a wide range of topics including Home, Fire, Farm, and a host of other relevant safety topics related to infants, toddlers and older children, and are a great resource.”
Some of the Information includes checklists for safety around the home through identification of hazards and action plans, information on choking which are major risks for babies and toddlers, practical steps with children around pets, and what sort of toys you should be buying for youngsters.
There also facts sheets on nursery safety for infants, warnings for parents on the use of second hand products for newborns, and for older children practical measures parents can take in the prevention of injury through sport.
“As expectant grandparents it is also timely for my wife and I to refresh our memory on the hazards that can confront young children.”
“This is a terrific initiative by the Royal Children’s Hospital, supported through the major corporate support of Exxon Mobil, to make these facts sheets available to the community free of charge.” Mr Hall said.
Mr Hall said those interested in obtaining copies of the fact sheet can downloaded the information from the Royal Children’s web site at www.rch.org.au/safetycentre/info or by making contact with his office at 190 Franklin Street Traralgon.
Eastern Region MP Peter Hall is recommending to Parents, Carers and Teachers a series of free Child Safety Fact Sheets produced by the Royal Children Hospital.
Mr Hall said “The facts sheets cover a wide range of topics including Home, Fire, Farm, and a host of other relevant safety topics related to infants, toddlers and older children, and are a great resource.”
Some of the Information includes checklists for safety around the home through identification of hazards and action plans, information on choking which are major risks for babies and toddlers, practical steps with children around pets, and what sort of toys you should be buying for youngsters.
There also facts sheets on nursery safety for infants, warnings for parents on the use of second hand products for newborns, and for older children practical measures parents can take in the prevention of injury through sport.
“As expectant grandparents it is also timely for my wife and I to refresh our memory on the hazards that can confront young children.”
“This is a terrific initiative by the Royal Children’s Hospital, supported through the major corporate support of Exxon Mobil, to make these facts sheets available to the community free of charge.” Mr Hall said.
Mr Hall said those interested in obtaining copies of the fact sheet can downloaded the information from the Royal Children’s web site at www.rch.org.au/safetycentre/info or by making contact with his office at 190 Franklin Street Traralgon.
Friday, 7 September 2007
PARLIAMENT HOUSE WELCOMES YOU
Member for Eastern Region PETER HALL said Open Day at Parliament House was a unique opportunity to walk the corridors of power and view the historic chambers of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, when it is open to the public on Sunday, 30th September.
“The day gives visitors a chance to learn about the colourful Parliamentary characters who have left their indelible mark in the history books as well as what democracy means to Victorians,” said Mr Hall.
“It’s also a good chance for people to see where their elected representatives work and to learn more about the Parliamentary process.”
“On Open Day visitors will enjoy an entertaining walk through the history and role of the Parliament, as well as displays from Parliament’s various departments, the Parliamentary Library, Hansard and committees of investigation.”
“As well as delving into the Parliament itself, visitors will also have a chance to learn about government agencies who work closely with the Parliament such as the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office and Victorian Electoral Commission,” said Mr Hall.
“Attendants will be on hand to answer any questions and visitors will have the chance to enjoy devonshire tea in the Parliamentary dining rooms or a BBQ lunch in Parliament’s heritage-listed gardens.”
“I encourage everyone to attend Open Day to find out more about their Parliament,” said Mr Hall
WHAT: Parliament of Victoria Open Day 2007
WHERE: Parliament House, Spring Street,
WHEN:
Admission is free. For more information visit www.parliament.vic.gov.au
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Launch of Blog
Peter Hall MLC, Member for Eastern Region, today launched his online blog.
Looking to embrace new and emerging technology Mr Hall hopes to give his constituents a forum outside of the usual channels to provide feedback and comment on issues.
What is a blog? Blog is short for weblog.
A weblog is a journal (or newsletter) that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption.
Mr Hall said “My blog enables me to post items onto the internet and receive feedback from my constituents almost immediately”
“The blog is very different compared to a static web site in that there can be a variety of views on any given issue and the blog enables users to interact and see the various commentaries on any given topic through a comments section”
Mr Hall added, “Technology is providing many more opportunities to be able to deliver my message to the widest possible audience, and to have a dialogue with the community at large, this is essential when formulating policy and gauging community sentiment”
“It’s all about accessibility” Mr Hall added.
Plans are well under way for video and audio content through the blog and web site, once again in an effort to provide the most up to date information on issues and legislation in the Victorian Parliament and to let Gippslanders express their opinions.
Constituents will also be able to access material through the popular video portal which will go live in the next couple of months.
Mr Hall’s blog can be found at http://www.peterhallmlc.blogspot.com
Looking to embrace new and emerging technology Mr Hall hopes to give his constituents a forum outside of the usual channels to provide feedback and comment on issues.
What is a blog? Blog is short for weblog.
A weblog is a journal (or newsletter) that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption.
Mr Hall said “My blog enables me to post items onto the internet and receive feedback from my constituents almost immediately”
“The blog is very different compared to a static web site in that there can be a variety of views on any given issue and the blog enables users to interact and see the various commentaries on any given topic through a comments section”
Mr Hall added, “Technology is providing many more opportunities to be able to deliver my message to the widest possible audience, and to have a dialogue with the community at large, this is essential when formulating policy and gauging community sentiment”
“It’s all about accessibility” Mr Hall added.
Plans are well under way for video and audio content through the blog and web site, once again in an effort to provide the most up to date information on issues and legislation in the Victorian Parliament and to let Gippslanders express their opinions.
Constituents will also be able to access material through the popular video portal which will go live in the next couple of months.
Mr Hall’s blog can be found at http://www.peterhallmlc.blogspot.com
Seniors to Celebrate
September 6th, 2007
Peter Hall encourages Seniors to Celebrate
Seniors across the Eastern Region can take advantage of free travel to Melbourne and other places and be a part of film, music, dance, cultural and fitness activities to celebrate Seniors Festival.
PETER HALL, State Member for Eastern Region is encouraging seniors to become involved in local events, such as concerts and healthy living forums, during the week, which runs from October 7 to 14.
“This is an important event and a chance for our seniors to become involved in activities, attend special events and make new friends,” Mr Hall said.
As part of the week, senior card holders can travel for free on V/Line rail and coach services on: Tuesday 9 October, Wednesday 10 October, Thursday 11 October, Saturday 13 October and Sunday 14 October.
There are many local events to enjoy including free entry to a country race program at Bairnsdale or Pakenham, a Country Concert featuring Darryl Cotton in Morwell, Sale, Warragul and Leongatha, as well as Healthy Living & Positive Thinking for Seniors at Lakes Entrance, and there will be other free or low-cost activities in the district, as well as discounts at cafes and reduced admission to many tourist attractions throughout Victoria.
Mr Hall urged seniors to pick up a copy of the Victorian Seniors Festival program for full details of events throughout the state and to organise their transport needs well in advance.
“Senior citizens make a valued contribution to society, particularly in country Victoria, where more often than not they are the driving force behind local charitable and sporting organisations.
“The festival is a great way for all Victorians to say thanks and share in the excitement.”
Programs for this year’s festival are available from Coles and Bi-Lo supermarkets, or from Peter Hall’s Electorate Office at 190 Franklin Street, Traralgon.
Peter Hall encourages Seniors to Celebrate
Seniors across the Eastern Region can take advantage of free travel to Melbourne and other places and be a part of film, music, dance, cultural and fitness activities to celebrate Seniors Festival.
PETER HALL, State Member for Eastern Region is encouraging seniors to become involved in local events, such as concerts and healthy living forums, during the week, which runs from October 7 to 14.
“This is an important event and a chance for our seniors to become involved in activities, attend special events and make new friends,” Mr Hall said.
As part of the week, senior card holders can travel for free on V/Line rail and coach services on: Tuesday 9 October, Wednesday 10 October, Thursday 11 October, Saturday 13 October and Sunday 14 October.
There are many local events to enjoy including free entry to a country race program at Bairnsdale or Pakenham, a Country Concert featuring Darryl Cotton in Morwell, Sale, Warragul and Leongatha, as well as Healthy Living & Positive Thinking for Seniors at Lakes Entrance, and there will be other free or low-cost activities in the district, as well as discounts at cafes and reduced admission to many tourist attractions throughout Victoria.
Mr Hall urged seniors to pick up a copy of the Victorian Seniors Festival program for full details of events throughout the state and to organise their transport needs well in advance.
“Senior citizens make a valued contribution to society, particularly in country Victoria, where more often than not they are the driving force behind local charitable and sporting organisations.
“The festival is a great way for all Victorians to say thanks and share in the excitement.”
Programs for this year’s festival are available from Coles and Bi-Lo supermarkets, or from Peter Hall’s Electorate Office at 190 Franklin Street, Traralgon.
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
School Hearings
Gippsland students invited to Parliament to have their say on school uniforms
Peter Hall MLC Member for Eastern Region announced today that the Parliament of Victoria’s Education and Training Committee has devised an innovative way to give students their say on the Committee’s current Inquiry into Dress Codes and School Uniforms in Victorian Schools.
Mr Hall said “The Committee has invited 128 students from 30 government schools across Victoria to present their views on school uniforms at a special Student Hearing in the parliamentary chambers on Thursday 6 September. “
88 secondary students will gather in the Legislative Assembly, and 40 primary students in the Legislative Council, including students from Lowanna College Newborough, Stockdale Road Primary School,Traralgon, and Warragul Regional College to debate a mock Bill on school uniforms, which has been drafted by the Committee especially for the event.
Mr Hall, as a member of the Education and Training Committee will chair sessions in the Legislative Council.
‘School uniforms – or absence thereof – affect all Victorian students in their day to day lives,’ said Mr Hall.
‘For this reason, it is important for the inquiry to seek input from as many Victorian students as possible, from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.’
Issues covered in the mock Bill include enforcement of uniform policies, equity and anti-discrimination issues, health and safety, community consultation, and uniform costs and purchasing. Participating schools have each been allocated specific topics to address in the hearing, to ensure the discussion has depth and variety.
Public hearings are a normal part of the evidence-gathering process for parliamentary inquiries. While the Committee regularly seeks student input through school visits or written submissions, this is the first student hearing of this scale that the Committee has organised.
The perspectives the students share in the hearing will contribute to the Committee’s final report on dress codes and school uniforms in Victorian schools. The report will be tabled in Parliament and will help the Government develop policies and strategies for guiding and supporting schools throughout Victoria in uniform-related issues.
Mr Hall stated that ‘the Committee has been very impressed with the quality of evidence submitted by students of all ages to Committee inquiries in the past, and we’re confident that the students participating in the Student Hearing will maintain this exceptionally high standard.’
‘We are also delighted that the Committee has been able to adapt its normal inquiry processes to provide an educational experience for students, which will improve their understanding of parliamentary procedures, and strengthen their connection with Victorian democratic processes.’
‘The decision to use a mock Bill has enhanced the educational value of the hearing for participants, as well as helping students to explore a broad range of issues relating to school uniforms; not just whether or not they are worn.’
The Student Hearing will run from 10:30am to 2.30pm for primary students and 10:30am to 3:40pm for secondary students.
List of schools participating in the hearing:
- Apollo Bay P-12 College
- Bacchus Marsh College
- Ballarat Secondary College
- Balwyn High School
- Belvedere Park Primary School (Seaford)
- Benalla Primary School
- Bendigo Senior Secondary College
- Collingwood P-12 College
- Eltham High School
- Essendon Primary School
- Footscray City College
- Frankston High School
- Kew High School
- Kyneton Secondary College
- Laburnum Primary School
- Lowanna College (Newborough, Gippsland)
- Melbourne Girls College
- Melbourne High School
- Sandringham College
- Shepparton High School
- Spensley Street Primary School (Clifton Hill)
- St Kilda Park Primary School
- Surfside Primary School (Ocean Grove)
- Templestowe College
- Traralgon (Stockdale Road) Primary School
- University High School (Parkville)
- Warragul Regional College
- Werribee Secondary College
- Western Heights Secondary College (Geelong)
- Yea High School
Mr Hall said “members of the public are welcome to attend, although space in the public galleries may be limited as the event has already attracted interest from many of the participating students’ school communities.”
Peter Hall MLC Member for Eastern Region announced today that the Parliament of Victoria’s Education and Training Committee has devised an innovative way to give students their say on the Committee’s current Inquiry into Dress Codes and School Uniforms in Victorian Schools.
Mr Hall said “The Committee has invited 128 students from 30 government schools across Victoria to present their views on school uniforms at a special Student Hearing in the parliamentary chambers on Thursday 6 September. “
88 secondary students will gather in the Legislative Assembly, and 40 primary students in the Legislative Council, including students from Lowanna College Newborough, Stockdale Road Primary School,Traralgon, and Warragul Regional College to debate a mock Bill on school uniforms, which has been drafted by the Committee especially for the event.
Mr Hall, as a member of the Education and Training Committee will chair sessions in the Legislative Council.
‘School uniforms – or absence thereof – affect all Victorian students in their day to day lives,’ said Mr Hall.
‘For this reason, it is important for the inquiry to seek input from as many Victorian students as possible, from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.’
Issues covered in the mock Bill include enforcement of uniform policies, equity and anti-discrimination issues, health and safety, community consultation, and uniform costs and purchasing. Participating schools have each been allocated specific topics to address in the hearing, to ensure the discussion has depth and variety.
Public hearings are a normal part of the evidence-gathering process for parliamentary inquiries. While the Committee regularly seeks student input through school visits or written submissions, this is the first student hearing of this scale that the Committee has organised.
The perspectives the students share in the hearing will contribute to the Committee’s final report on dress codes and school uniforms in Victorian schools. The report will be tabled in Parliament and will help the Government develop policies and strategies for guiding and supporting schools throughout Victoria in uniform-related issues.
Mr Hall stated that ‘the Committee has been very impressed with the quality of evidence submitted by students of all ages to Committee inquiries in the past, and we’re confident that the students participating in the Student Hearing will maintain this exceptionally high standard.’
‘We are also delighted that the Committee has been able to adapt its normal inquiry processes to provide an educational experience for students, which will improve their understanding of parliamentary procedures, and strengthen their connection with Victorian democratic processes.’
‘The decision to use a mock Bill has enhanced the educational value of the hearing for participants, as well as helping students to explore a broad range of issues relating to school uniforms; not just whether or not they are worn.’
The Student Hearing will run from 10:30am to 2.30pm for primary students and 10:30am to 3:40pm for secondary students.
List of schools participating in the hearing:
- Apollo Bay P-12 College
- Bacchus Marsh College
- Ballarat Secondary College
- Balwyn High School
- Belvedere Park Primary School (Seaford)
- Benalla Primary School
- Bendigo Senior Secondary College
- Collingwood P-12 College
- Eltham High School
- Essendon Primary School
- Footscray City College
- Frankston High School
- Kew High School
- Kyneton Secondary College
- Laburnum Primary School
- Lowanna College (Newborough, Gippsland)
- Melbourne Girls College
- Melbourne High School
- Sandringham College
- Shepparton High School
- Spensley Street Primary School (Clifton Hill)
- St Kilda Park Primary School
- Surfside Primary School (Ocean Grove)
- Templestowe College
- Traralgon (Stockdale Road) Primary School
- University High School (Parkville)
- Warragul Regional College
- Werribee Secondary College
- Western Heights Secondary College (Geelong)
- Yea High School
Mr Hall said “members of the public are welcome to attend, although space in the public galleries may be limited as the event has already attracted interest from many of the participating students’ school communities.”
Monday, 3 September 2007
Firearms
31 August 2007
FIREARMS REGULATIONS SET TO CHANGE
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Region, Peter Hall, wants local professional and recreational shooters, gun retailers and farmers to be aware that the Brumby government is proposing changes to firearm regulations.
Mr Hall said the Firearms Amendment Bill was set to be introduced into Victorian Parliament when it next sits on September 18.
He said, if passed, the Bill would:
Allow the Chief Commissioner to declare a firearm to belong to the more restrictive categories D or E;
Ban increasing the magazine capacity of a firearm, if it would change its category
Introduce a more onerous ‘Collector 1’ licence for antique handguns for which cartridge ammunition is commercially available;
Require gun owners to notify Victoria Police of changes relating to the firearm, including where it is stored, within 14 days;
Allow security guards and other professions to be licensed for possession, use or carriage of a firearm for occupational purposes;
Allow a person who has been compensated for the surrender of handguns or their licence within the previous five years to be issued a handgun licence for occupational purposes;
Expand the list of banned firearms license holders; and
Allow hunters unrestricted access to cross into game reserves.
“Copies of the Bill are available from the internet at:- www.parliament.vic.gov.au or my office at
190 Franklin Street, Traralgon," Mr Hall said.
“Anyone interested or affected by the Bill is asked to provide feedback to my office by September 12 so that I can raise any issues when the Bill is introduced to Parliament.”
FIREARMS REGULATIONS SET TO CHANGE
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Region, Peter Hall, wants local professional and recreational shooters, gun retailers and farmers to be aware that the Brumby government is proposing changes to firearm regulations.
Mr Hall said the Firearms Amendment Bill was set to be introduced into Victorian Parliament when it next sits on September 18.
He said, if passed, the Bill would:
Allow the Chief Commissioner to declare a firearm to belong to the more restrictive categories D or E;
Ban increasing the magazine capacity of a firearm, if it would change its category
Introduce a more onerous ‘Collector 1’ licence for antique handguns for which cartridge ammunition is commercially available;
Require gun owners to notify Victoria Police of changes relating to the firearm, including where it is stored, within 14 days;
Allow security guards and other professions to be licensed for possession, use or carriage of a firearm for occupational purposes;
Allow a person who has been compensated for the surrender of handguns or their licence within the previous five years to be issued a handgun licence for occupational purposes;
Expand the list of banned firearms license holders; and
Allow hunters unrestricted access to cross into game reserves.
“Copies of the Bill are available from the internet at:- www.parliament.vic.gov.au or my office at
190 Franklin Street, Traralgon," Mr Hall said.
“Anyone interested or affected by the Bill is asked to provide feedback to my office by September 12 so that I can raise any issues when the Bill is introduced to Parliament.”
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