Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Parliament was very busy filled with meetings with crossbenchers, ministerial and departmental staff for briefings on water, Goulburn Valley Health Community Advisory Group, drug issues and legislation.

I also had my fortnightly meeting on the Family and Community Development Committee. This committee has members from all parties and is commencing Stage 2 of the inquiry into abuse in disability services. I would urge local people to make representations now.   You can get detailed Terms of Reference and a submission guide by calling 03 8682 2843 or by visiting the website: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc

The week began with another All Aboard Shepparton launch of our next event, “Bake a train cake”.  SheppShow has agreed to extend the due date for entries to Monday 5 October.   You can find entry forms here: http://www.sheppshow.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Art-and-Craft.pdf

On Tuesday, I was honoured to stand side by side with Paul Briggs, a senior Yorta Yorta man as the Aboriginal flag was raised and will be permanently flown at parliament house.  You can read my speech here: http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/0d3a1411-42f0-40fb-944d-5c43f65c13b5/4/doc/

In Parliament I called on the Minister to advise what steps are being taken to prepare for the forthcoming bushfire season particularly in the Barmah National Park. You can read my question here:  http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/523b844c-b86f-4c19-a170-0ef240dd28f5/3/doc/

 I attended and spoke at the launch of Meanjin, Spring 2015 edition on Thursday night.   I was honoured to be asked to write an article for this edition where the topic was “Is there a crisis in Australian democracy?’  To learn more about Meanjin, you can visit their website: http://meanjin.com.au/

It was a pleasure to host the Treasurer, The Hon Tim Pallas in Shepparton on Friday.  Mr. Pallas visited Pactum Dairy, Kreskas Bros Transport, Intercontinental Spares and other key importing and exporting businesses.  We discussed rural and regional development, water, health, transport and the proposed lease of the Port of Melbourne.

Ministers have visited Shepparton sixteen times so far this year.  By visiting, they see first-hand what our needs are.

Expressions of interest for the G V Health Community Advisory Group have closed on Friday.   I would like to thank everyone who has expressed an interest and I look forward to the next step in the process.

Light the Night at the lake on Friday was another special Shepparton showing of welcome to refugees to our community.

I will be back in the electorate next week where I have many constituent meetings planned.  Have a great week everyone.

Suzanna.