Last night in parliament, Greens MLC Colleen Hartland slammed the government's decision to close the Family Violence Unit (FVU), a vital service in the City of Brimbank.
"Family violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and illness in Victorian women aged 15 to 44. Brimbank has one of the highest rates of reported family violence incidents in Victoria," said Ms Hartland
Greens MLC Colleen Hartland has described the government's response in parliament to her question on the Westgate Bike Punt as "bizarre".
"My question* set out the increase in commuter cycling and the success of running the Punt on of Ride To Work Day, and asked him to consider funding a commuter Punt service for a year, as it would be very cost-effective."
Victorian Greens justice spokesperson, Sue Pennicuik MLC, today welcomed the news that the final four defendants in the long-running Gunns 20 case can finally get on with their lives.
"More than five years has passed since Gunns issued their terrible writ against the 20 defendants", Ms Pennicuik said. "Now, on the eve of going to trial, Gunns Ltd has pulled the pin and opted to pay out the remaining four defendants, rather than go to trial".
The recent closure of the Tote in Collingwood has generated a lot of public debate about Victoria's liquor licensing regime. Contrary to recent reports, the security requirements for venues with live music were not part of the bill that passed state parliament late last year. The requirement for live music venues to provide security staff is not enshrined in any act of parliament – it is something the government started requiring of licensees long ago.
Greens MP Sue Pennicuik today condemned the additional reprieve given to jumps racing in Victoria by the sport's ruling body.
"I have to say I am not surprised that Racing Victoria Ltd (RVL) has caved in to fierce lobbying from the jumps racing industry and has backtracked on its decision to end jumps racing," said Ms Pennicuik. "I had been expecting it but it is still extremely disappointing."
Premier Brumby and Water Minister Holding have shown total disregard for rural Victorians and the Goulburn-Murray environment by insisting on taking 10 Billion litres of the Water Quality Reserve to Melbourne, via the North-South Pipeline, where it will be used for the luxury of watering gardens. There are absolutely no restrictions on water usage in Melbourne households.
Rod’s latest show, “Bugger The Polar Bears, This Is 
Serious” is one with a difference. Rod is genuinely concerned about the effects of climate change on the planet, and he is extremely well educated on the subject.
So he’s done what only Rod could do: turn the grim and somewhat dry topic into a wacky and funny show.
Greens MLC Colleen Hartland has expressed concerns about the police plan to commence using their new powers in Footscray on Thursday.
"The police already had the power to search people suspected of carrying an illegal weapon. They had the power to move people on, and fine people who are drunk and disorderly. What they need is more resources to do their job. That's why the Greens voted against the legislation in Parliament."
