MPs reflect on first year in office

OPINION

BY JULIANA ADDISON, MEMBER FOR WENDOUREE

LATE November marked twelve months since the re-election of the Andrews Government and my election as the new MP for Wendouree.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Wendouree for their support, enthusiasm and encouragement over the past year.

I have literally met thousands of people over the journey, from everyday people to business leaders, health professionals, teachers and members of community groups.

We’ve achieved a great deal over 12 months, and there’s still a lot we can achieve together.

We have big plans to deliver jobs and investment through GovHub, we’re continually improving services at Ballarat Base Hospital, there are sporting facilities being built, road improvements and a massive upgrade of rail including a second platform at Wendouree Station and new passing loops allowing more train services in the future.

There’s an unprecedented $5.6 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across Victoria including a new school at Lucas and improvements to Ballarat High School and Mount rowan Secondary Collage. We’re also conducting the largest ever maintenance blitz across every school in Ballarat.

We’re keeping our promise to deliver good healthcare close to home, good schools, better roads and improved public transport.

But we know our work doesn’t end there. This is the pace that must define our next three years and we won’t stop – Ballarat’s future is relying on it.

BY MICHAELA SETTLE, MEMBER FOR BUNINYONG

WE haven’t wasted a moment. The Andrews Government has got straight down to meeting our commitments right across the Buninyong electorate. We’ve rolled out some significant programs and delivered on our promises. I’ve met so many great people and had a lot of fun.

The opening of the all-weather track at Sebastopol BMX Club was a real highlight. The Club has put so much time and effort into getting this project up.

Our first community consultation on the Spotlight on Sebastopol project meant local people in Sebastopol have genuinely been listened to about what the government can do to improve their community.

We’ve made real progress on state-wide election commitments as well.

Just last week, we created a new crime of Workplace Manslaughter. I got into this business to help people and support workers. The historic workplace manslaughter legislation will mean that no one has to go through the awful process that Dr. Lana Cormie and the Brownlee family went through after they lost their loved ones at work last year.

There have been huge investments in regional roads, regional rail, regional health, and education. These investments have paid dividends and delivered the lowest regional unemployment rates on record.

It’s been a great year, but next year will be even busier as we put the Spotlight on Sebastopol and start the works on the Ballan Recreation Reserve.