Mr BURGESS (Hastings) (09:44:22) — On 24 January the member for South Barwon and I met with many Belmont small businesses following the announcement of the Andrews Labor government that it will fund the imposition of bike lanes through one of Geelong’s great local shopping strips and the removal of 70 vital car parking spaces in High Street, Belmont, in the process. The Labor member for Geelong has completely ignored the concerns of these local businesses which, less than a decade ago, invested more than $200 000 of their own money to create a similar number of desperately needed car parks. Removal of these 70 important car parking spaces will hit these family businesses hard by driving many of their regular customers away to areas where parking is more readily available.

Mr BURGESS — It was great to see the state Liberal opposition leader in Frankston on 19 January speaking at a luncheon hosted by the enormously effective Committee for Greater Frankston. He took the opportunity to speak on many topics, including the importance of the development of the port of Hastings and the electrification and duplication of the Stony Point railway line, and to emphasise the Liberal‑Nationals commitment to both.

Mr BURGESS — I was pleased to be able to join the team at Crib Point fire brigade and other emergency service personnel at their support day at Hastings Bunnings on 20 January. Sincere thanks to Bunnings for their great support for our emergency services workers.

Mr BURGESS (Hastings) (11:48:24) — (13 930) My question is to the Minister for Health. I am seeking information on behalf of the Pearcedale community about what can be provided to attract GPs to work in the Pearcedale Medical Centre. The Pearcedale Medical Centre is the only medical centre in this great little town, and it faithfully provides a high level of care, extended hours and emergency medical treatment to its community. Many Pearcedale residents have told me that this medical centre has been one of the best things to happen to Pearcedale in recent years, not only for the high level of medical care provided but also because of the extra business that has been attracted as a result of patients coming from other townships. Running a small business is difficult enough under the current state Labor regime, and when that small business encompasses caring for the health and wellbeing of local community residents, when it is in a regional area and it is ignored by the Andrews government and when attracting and retaining practitioners is so challenging, it is all the harder.

Mr BURGESS — On 25 November I was pleased to participate in this year’s White Ribbon March and to show support for the prevention of violence against women.

Mr BURGESS — Last Sunday I was grateful for the opportunity to help the team at Somerville Football Netball Club cook up a storm for shoppers at Bunnings Hastings. The sausage sizzle raised over $1000 for the club.

Mr BURGESS — On 11 November this year I was honoured to join the Hastings RSL sub‑branch and the Hastings community for a service and wreath‑laying ceremony at the Hastings cenotaph to commemorate Remembrance Day. Each year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we stop and show appreciation to our servicemen and women past and present for the freedoms Australians all cherish.

Mr BURGESS — On 8 December I was pleased to present Marion Harriden with a certificate recognising her 11 years as chairperson of the Somerville Community House. Marion has always put her community first, and this recognition is well deserved

Mr BURGESS — On 4 December I was pleased to join the Liberal candidate for Ivanhoe, Monica Clark, in doorknocking small businesses in the Ivanhoe area. Victorian small businesses have had enough of a government that is run by a bully and that governs only for itself and its union mates. After watching Monica connecting with her community, I have no doubt she will do very well in next year’s election.

Mr BURGESS (Hastings) (16:49:47) — It is a pleasure to rise to speak on the Major Events Legislation Amendment (Ticket Scalping and Other Matters) Bill 2017. Just following on from the member for Mordialloc, it is always interesting that they are claiming to be open and accountable. Certainly with this particular responsible minister it is interesting to note that under proposed section 182N(3) to be inserted into the Major Sporting Events Act 2009 by clause 16 of the bill there is a discretion for the minister to dispose of forfeited tickets or tickets that have been taken in any way he sees fit. I would have thought, and I am sure all members on this side of the house would have thought, that the Minister for Sport already had about as many tickets as he could possibly handle. Certainly he has got a bit of a record for having sports events tickets and receiving them from all over the place. So his having the discretion to dispose of these tickets in any way he sees fit I think is anything but open and accountable.