It is the first sitting week after the winter break, and I hope everyone is feeling rejuvenated. I am very pleased to be speaking in support of the government business program. The program of course includes two very significant bills – bills that once again demonstrate to the people of Victoria that Labor is just getting on with the job.

My adjournment is to the Minister for Health, and the action that I seek is that the minister work with me to deliver Northcote’s early parenting centre as soon as possible. Ever since I was first elected to represent Northcote I have pushed for more services for infants, parents and families in the inner north because, as we know, parenting is tough. Through all the joy and new beginnings that newborns bring, this period for parents can also be isolating and overwhelming. As a mother to two little ones myself, one in kinder and one in prep, I have had countless conversations with parents in my community.

I rise to speak in support of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Authorising Pharmacists) Bill 2023, a bill that gives effect to our commitment to delivering a community pharmacy statewide pilot and a bill that will make health care more accessible and affordable for Victorians when they need it most and close to home.

I rise to update my community on a local issue that has caused deep concern and distress, and that is the fate of the innovation precinct at Wingrove Street in Alphington. After months of uncertainty we now know Alphington Farmers Market will live to fight another day – Darebin council has offered them a new lease.

I rise to speak in support of Labor’s state budget, a budget that looks after people, looks after our future and does what we said we would do. Outlined in these appropriation bills is our plan to grow jobs, to strengthen our economy and to deliver the services, supports and projects that matter to Victorians.

I would like to ask the Treasurer: what measures are in the state budget to alleviate cost-of-living pressures on households in the Northcote electorate?

My question is to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, and I ask for information on the measures the Andrews Labor government is taking to ensure our extensive rental reforms are well understood amongst renters, landlords and property managers.

Our Labor government is bringing back the SEC, and my goodness it is exciting: energy back in the hands of Victorians once again, 100 cent renewable energy, 59,000 renewable energy jobs, huge wind and solar projects and profits going back to the people, driving down emissions and protecting our climate.

My question is for the Minister for Health, and I ask: how are our nursing and midwifery scholarships supporting Victoria’s healthcare workforce? Tomorrow is International Day of the Midwife, an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible work of this dedicated group of healthcare workers.

The action that I seek is for the Minister for Small Business to visit the shopping strips of Northcote and Fairfield to meet and hear from our local traders and celebrate their achievements.

Today I rise in support of the Disability and Social Services Regulation Amendment Bill 2023.

I am pleased to be able to rise today to speak on the Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.

I rise to congratulate the Cyprus community of Melbourne and Victoria on their wonderfully successful Halloumi Festival over the weekend.

I ask the Minister for Mental Health for information on how the Northcote mental health and wellbeing local will be delivered to cater for the unique needs of my community in the inner north.

I wish women right across Victoria a very happy International Women’s Day today.

It is an honour to stand here as part of a re-elected Andrews Labor government to represent Northcote once again. In doing so I recognise that long before our Parliament existed, the lands and waters we now call the inner north were nurtured and protected by the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, and I reaffirm the Labor government’s unwavering commitment to walking alongside Aboriginal Victorians on the road to treaty.

My adjournment is to the Minister for Mental Health. I ask the minister to arrange a briefing for me with her department to discuss progress towards finalising Victoria’s new eating disorder strategy and delivering our first residential treatment centre for eating disorders.

This week the Andrews Labor government took an important step towards ensuring better health outcomes for Victorians with the opening of Australia’s first dedicated heart hospital.

I rise to speak in support of the Health Legislation Amendment (Information Sharing) Bill 2023.

I ask the minister to meet with me to discuss how the government can make it easier for renters and low-income earners to access the benefits of more energy efficient homes.