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.

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.”

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.”

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

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.

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.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE WELCOMES YOU

Parliament Welcome 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, 30^th 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, East Melbourne

WHEN: Sunday 30 September 2007 between 11am and 4pm

Admission is free. For more information visit www.parliament.vic.gov.au

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

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.

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.”

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.”