Questions without notice and ministers statements
Danny O’BRIEN (Gippsland South) (14:29): My question is to the Premier. The government’s budget update shows that during a cost-of-living crisis Labor’s new fire levy tax increase will rip an additional $2.1 billion out of the pockets of Victorians over the next three years. Last year Fire Rescue Victoria received a budget increase of $192 million, or 22 per cent, after spending $31 million on consultants and $125 million on overtime. At the same time, the CFA budget was cut. How much more will Victorians have to pay for the money pit that is FRV?
The SPEAKER: I just remind the Premier to not anticipate debate.
Danny O’BRIEN (Gippsland South) (14:34): Trent is a farmer from Gippsland and a CFA volunteer. Under Labor’s punitive new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund tax grab, Trent’s fire services bill will rise by a whopping 180 per cent. Why do Trent and many Victorians like him have to pay a 180 per cent increase in their fire levy because Labor cannot manage money?
Mary-Anne Thomas: On a point of order, Speaker, one would expect that the Leader of the Nationals should know that it is not appropriate to ask a question that anticipates debate about a bill that has been introduced into this chamber.
Danny O’BRIEN: On the point of order, Speaker, page 30 of Rulings from the Chair has a ruling from Speaker Maddigan twice and Speaker Brooks, which states that questions and responses –
Members interjecting.
Danny O’BRIEN: Are you okay? You really do not want to talk about tax increases, do you?
The SPEAKER: Leader of the Nationals, through the Chair, or I will sit you down.
Danny O’BRIEN: It states:
… questions and responses may canvass broad policy issues but cannot refer to the detail of the bill.
The question did not refer to any detail of the bill. This detail is already on the government’s website.
The SPEAKER: I will allow the question. I remind the Premier in her answer not to anticipate debate.