Gary's Speeches
Latrobe Valley Rail Services
05 October 2010
I take this opportunity to raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Public Transport in the other place. ... more >>>
Petition - Old Gippstown
05 October 2010
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the undersigned residents of Gippsland draws to the ... more >>>
Old Gippstown Park Funding
15 September 2010
Since its establishment in 1973 Old Gippstown heritage park has grown to become a very popular attraction in Latrobe ... more >>>
West Gippsland Hospital - Redevelopment
14 September 2010
I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Health, and the action that I seek is for him to provide funding for a ... more >>>
Hospital Waiting Lists
02 September 2010
take this opportunity to bring to the attention of the house the enormous problems that our hospital system is ... more >>>
Bushfire Commission Response
01 September 2010
I strongly support the matter of public importance moved by the member for Gippsland South that this house condemns the ... more >>>
Kinder Shortages - Narracan
12 August 2010
The Baw Baw shire is battling with a massive shortage of kindergarten places for four-year-olds in next year's ... more >>>
Willow Grove Crossing Lights Needed
10 August 2010
wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Roads and Ports, and the action I seek is for funding to be provided for ... more >>>
Bushfire Commission Response
10 August 2010
I appreciate having the opportunity to respond to the findings of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission which ... more >>>
Bushfire Victim Support
28 July 2010
I take this opportunity of bringing to the attention of this house and the Premier the ongoing struggle that many ... more >>>
National Diabetes Week
23 June 2010
This year National Diabetes Week runs from 11 to 17 July, and I would like to inform the house and encourage all ... more >>>
Warragul Hospital Emergency Department
22 June 2010
I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Health. The action I seek is the allocation of $2 million for ... more >>>
APPROPRIATION (2010/2011) BILL
27 May 2010
I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Appropriation (2010/2011) Bill 2010, but I must ... more >>>
Beacon Hills Level Crossing Support
26 May 2010
I wish to raise an issue for the attention of the Minister for Public Transport. I have raised the upgrade of the ... more >>>
Ambulance Victoria Services
26 May 2010
Today I grieve for all Victorians because of the serious risks Victorians are being exposed to through the Brumby Labor ... more >>>
Old Gippstown Funding
25 May 2010
I wish to raise an issue for the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, and the action I seek is for the minister ... more >>>
Ambulance Services - Narracan
06 May 2010
I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Health regarding ambulance availability in Narracan. Many residents of ... more >>>
Employment - Brumby Government Neglect
05 May 2010
I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to this matter of public importance today. I cannot believe the ... more >>>
Health and Human Services Bill 2010
04 May 2010
It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on the Health and Human Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2010. The purpose ... more >>>
THERAPEUTIC GOODS (VICTORIA) BILL
15 April 2010
It is with pleasure that I take this opportunity to speak in the debate on the Therapeutic Goods (Victoria) Bill 2010. ... more >>>
Country Fire Authority: Neerim South station
15 April 2010
I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. The action I seek is for the minister to ... more >>>
West Gippsland Healthcare Group: Palliative Care
14 April 2010
I take this opportunity to thank the nursing staff and volunteers of the West Gippsland Healthcare Group who deliver ... more >>>
Student - Youth Allowance Changes
23 March 2010
The changes to the youth allowance that passed through the Senate last week have left most of the students in my ... more >>>
NATIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER REGULATION BILL
10 March 2010
It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on the Statute Law Amendment (National Health Practitioner Regulation) Bill ... more >>>
Housing Gippsland
25 February 2010
I wish to alert the house to the deliberately misleading and false statements made by the Minister for Housing in ... more >>>
Police: Narracan electorate
23 February 2010
I wish to raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. The action I seek is for ... more >>>
Government Health Failings
03 February 2010
Today I grieve for all Victorians and particularly the people of Geelong because of the Brumby government's continuing ... more >>>
Dairy Industry - Water Licences
03 February 2010
I call on the Minister for Agriculture to intervene in the current dairy shed water licensing process and have the ... more >>>
PETITION - Warragul Rail Station
10 December 2009
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the undersigned residents of Narracan draws to the ... more >>>
Bushfires: Gippsland
08 December 2009
I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Agriculture. The action I seek is for the minister to provide ... more >>>
Bushfires: Shire of Baw Baw
08 December 2009
The Baw Baw Shire Council is currently being hung out to dry by the Department of Treasury and Finance in relation to ... more >>>
Bushfires: Shire of Baw Baw
25 November 2009
Following the bushfires in Baw Baw shire this year, roadside trees were inspected by qualified arborists. Many were ... more >>>
PETITION - Warragul Car Parking
24 November 2009
Rail: Warragul park-and-ride facilities
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the ... more >>>
Princes Freeway-Sand Road, Longwarry: upgrade
12 November 2009
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the undersigned residents of Gippsland and other road ... more >>>
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Bill
12 November 2009
It is with pleasure that I rise to speak in the debate on the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Victoria) ... more >>>
River Red Gum Parks and Crown Land Bill
12 November 2009
Once again it is a pleasure to rise to speak on a bill; this time it is the Parks and Crown Land Legislation Amendment ... more >>>
Dairy Industry Water Licences
10 November 2009
Recently I attended a briefing given by senior DPI (Department of Primary Industries) bureaucrats regarding the dairy ... more >>>
Trafalgar High School - Funding
14 October 2009
I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Education. The action I seek is for the minister to fund the third stage ... more >>>
Bona Vista Primary School
13 October 2009
I take this opportunity to acknowledge the centenary of Bona Vista Primary School, which was celebrated last Sunday. ... more >>>
West Gippsland Healthcare Group Awards
17 September 2009
I take this opportunity to congratulate the West Gippsland Healthcare Group for winning the Premier's regional health ... more >>>
Question On Notice - Neerim South Health
15 September 2009
Mr BLACKWOOD - to ask the Minister for Health -- with reference to funding in the 2008-09 Budget for construction of a ... more >>>
Black Saturday - Interim Report
01 September 2009
It is with pleasure that I take this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the government's motion. The ... more >>>
Education: Federal Funding
01 September 2009
I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Education. The action I seek is for the minister to intervene in the ... more >>>
Papua New Guinea: Air Tragedy
13 August 2009
I am going to take this opportunity this morning to pay respect to those who lost their lives on Tuesday in New Guinea ... more >>>
Parkinson's Awareness Week
12 August 2009
Parkinson's disease is a progressively degenerative neurological disorder which affects the control of body movements. ... more >>>
Question On Notice: Lardners Track Level Crossing
11 August 2009
Mr BLACKWOOD -- to ask the Minister for Public Transport: when will boom gates be installed at the Lardner's Track ... more >>>
Planning: GAIC Petition
30 July 2009
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the residents of Narracan draws to the attention of the ... more >>>
Equal Opportunity Legislation - Petition
30 July 2009
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the undersigned residents of Victoria draws to the ... more >>>
Government Achievements
29 July 2009
Thank you, Acting Speaker, for the opportunity to make a contribution to the debate on this matter of public ... more >>>
Trafalgar Soccer Club Funding
29 July 2009
The Trafalgar Soccer Club provides an opportunity for well over 100 players, ranging in age from 10 through to open ... more >>>
Trafalgar High School: Autism Integration Model
28 July 2009
I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. The action I seek is for the ... more >>>
John Delzoppo - Queens Birthday Honours
25 June 2009
I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge an honour bestowed on a former Speaker of this house in the Queen's ... more >>>
Princes Freeway-Sand Road Longwarry - Petition
25 June 2009
Princes Freeway-Sand Road, Longwarry: upgrade
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the ... more >>>
Equal Opportunity Act - Submission of Petition
25 June 2009
Equal opportunity: legislation
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the undersigned ... more >>>
Rail and Level Crossing Safety
24 June 2009
"Today I am pleased to rise to make a contribution to this matter of public importance proposed by the member for ... more >>>
South Face Road / Mount Baw Baw Upgrade
10 June 2009
"I raise a matter for the Minister for Roads and Ports. The action I seek is for the minister to request VicRoads to ... more >>>
Appropriation Bill 2009
09 June 2009
"It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on the Appropriation (2009/2010) Bill. The 2009-10 Victorian state budget, ... more >>>
Gippsland Rail Services
09 June 2009
"Gippsland's train travellers are being treated like second-class citizens once again by the Minister for Public ... more >>>
Drought - Nursery Industry
07 June 2009
I call on the Minister for Agriculture to meet with the nursery industry to develop plans that will assist it in ... more >>>
Warragul Car Park
02 June 2009
The Warragul railway station has a major problem with car parking which is only going to get worse as the population ... more >>>
Bushfire Appeal Fund
02 June 2009
Another issue I raise is the time being taken to transfer funds from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund to the ... more >>>
Princes Freeway and Sand Road Intersection Upgrade
06 May 2009
"I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Roads and Ports. The action I seek is for the minister to ... more >>>
Bushfire - Victim Support
06 May 2009
"Today's matter of public importance on bushfire recovery is extremely timely. We are now three months out from the ... more >>>
Racing Victoria - Regional and Rural Support
02 April 2009
The way the Brumby government and in particular the Minister for Racing are treating Victorian country racing clubs at ... more >>>
Morwell-Thorpdale Road: Upgrade
15 March 2009
I stand in the house this day to bring to the attention of the Minister for Roads and Ports the existence of a petition ... more >>>
Bushfires - Small Business Support
11 March 2009
"I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Small Business. The action I seek is for the minister to provide urgent ... more >>>
Bushfires - Forest Access
10 March 2009
"During the recent bushfires a huge amount of money, time, effort and risk was put into constructing containment lines, ... more >>>
Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2009
10 March 2009
" It is with pleasure that I rise to speak in the debate on the Gambling Regulation Amendment (Licensing) Bill 2009. ... more >>>
Ambulance Services - Enterprise Agreement
26 February 2009
"The ambulance officers in my area and across Victoria are being hung out to dry by the Brumby government in their ... more >>>
Black Saturday Condolence Speech
24 February 2009
It is with a great degree of sadness that I rise to support this condolence motion. I intend to touch on the broader ... more >>>
Children - Disability & Inclusion Support Program
05 February 2009
" I call on the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development to conduct an urgent review of the program for ... more >>>
Rail: Lardners Level Crossing Petition
03 February 2009
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the undersigned road users of the Lardner's Track level ... more >>>
School Buses: Warragul
03 December 2008
I call on the Minister for Education to take urgent action to provide extra bus capacity for the students in the ... more >>>
Rail: Lardners Track Level Crossing
03 December 2008
The Lardners Track level crossing between Warragul and Drouin is a ticking time bomb. It is a disaster waiting to ... more >>>
Rail: Lardners Level Crossing Petition
03 December 2008
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the undersigned road users of the Lardners Track level ... more >>>
Fundraising Appeals and Consumer Acts Amen. Bill
02 December 2008
I rise to speak on the Fundraising Appeals and Consumer Acts Amendment Bill. The purpose of this bill is to amend the ... more >>>
Warragul Community House: 30th Anniversary
13 November 2008
This year the Warragul community house celebrates its 30th year of providing accessible and affordable learning ... more >>>
Technical and Further Education: Teacher Salaries
28 October 2008
The enterprise bargaining agreement negotiation process for TAFE teachers across Victoria is currently at a stalemate, ... more >>>
Rail: Lardners Level Crossing
15 October 2008
I, again, rise to request that the Minister for Public Transport take the action required to upgrade the road and rail ... more >>>
Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Bill
15 October 2008
It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on the Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Bill 2008. I will be supporting ... more >>>
Gippsland: Government Initiatives
15 October 2008
I thank the house for the opportunity to respond to the matter of public importance (MPI) proposed by the member for ... more >>>
Housing: Narracan Electorate
15 October 2008
I raise a matter for the Minister for Housing. It will be no surprise that it concerns an acute shortage of public ... more >>>
Farm Machinery Regulation
08 October 2008
Last Wednesday evening at the West Gippsland Arts Centre over 400 concerned farmers attended a meeting convened by the ... more >>>
Question On Notice: Ballarat Telecommunications
07 October 2008
Mr BLACKWOOD -- to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services when will the Emergency Services ... more >>>
Notice Of Motion: Regional Office Relocation
07 October 2008
Mr BLACKWOOD - to ask the Minister for Education -- will the regional office of the Department of Education and Early ... more >>>
Blackwood Centre for Adolescent Development
11 September 2008
The Blackwood Centre for Adolescent Development, auspiced by the Drouin Secondary College, is a school that offers ... more >>>
Main South Road-Simper Court, Drouin Petition
11 September 2008
To the Legislative Assembly of the Victorian Parliament:
The petition of the undersigned residents and road users ... more >>>
Abortion Law Reform Bill
09 September 2008
I rise to join the debate on this critical issue with grave concern for what the outcome of the debate could be. This ... more >>>
Rail: Lardners Track Level Crossing
21 August 2008
I raise an issue for the Minister for Public Transport. The action I seek is for the immediate upgrade of the Lardners ... more >>>
Rail: Lardners Track Level Crossing
20 August 2008
I again raise an issue that I have previously brought before this house on two occasions. Unfortunately the Brumby ... more >>>
VicForest - Harvest and Haulage Contracts
30 July 2008
I raise a matter for the attention of the Treasurer, who is also a member for Southern Metropolitan Region in the other ... more >>>
Question On Notice: Moe D24 Relocation
29 July 2008
Mr BLACKWOOD - to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services when will the responsibilities of the Moe D24 Unit ... more >>>
Public Health and Wellbeing Bill
25 June 2008
The purpose of this bill is to replace and update the Health Act 1958, particularly in relation to public health and ... more >>>
Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority
25 June 2008
During the adjournment on 16 April I raised a matter for the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. On 18 June I ... more >>>
Schools: Catholic Sector
10 June 2008
It is extremely disappointing that there is no new education and early childhood funding development funding for ... more >>>
Warragul RSL Community Memorial Centre: Funding
28 May 2008
The action I seek is for the Minister for Community Development to reaffirm the Brumby government's commitment to ... more >>>
Appropriation (2008/2009) Bill
28 May 2008
This year's Victorian state budget was a major disappointment for the people of my electorate, who have yet again been ... more >>>
Dinwoodie Drive, Newborough: Safety
28 May 2008
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of the undersigned residents and road users of Dinwoodie ... more >>>
Trafalgar High School: Upgrade
27 May 2008
Prior to the 2006 election the Trafalgar High School was promised an $8 million upgrade. The redevelopment was to be ... more >>>
Local Government: Government Performance
07 May 2008
It is with pleasure that I rise to make a contribution on this matter of public importance. In my nine years as a local ... more >>>
Sambar Deer: Control
06 May 2008
A recommendation by the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to list sambar deer as a potential threat to biodiversity ... more >>>
Eduation and Training Reform Bill
17 April 2008
I have real concerns about the ability of this government to maintain a student register which is rock solid, secure ... more >>>
Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority
16 April 2008
It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on the Education and Training Reform Amendment Bill 2008.
The purpose of ... more >>>
Rail: Narracan Electorate
15 April 2008
I rise to express my profound disappointment at the Brumby government's failure to properly investigate transport ... more >>>
Police Integrity Bill
09 April 2008
It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on the Police Integrity Bill 2008. The bill seeks to re-establish the Office ... more >>>
Community Health Centres: Tax Ruling
09 April 2008
I would like to raise serious concerns I have for community health centres and their staff in light of the new ... more >>>
Annual Statement of Government Intentions
13 March 2008
It is a great pleasure to be given the opportunity to make a contribution in reply to the annual statement of ... more >>>
Education and Early Childhood Development: Moe
13 March 2008
The town of Moe in Gippsland has proven time and again its resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity, but it ... more >>>
West Gippsland Healthcare Group: Master Plan
12 March 2008
I wish to raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Health. The action I ask him to take is to provide ... more >>>
Rail: Lardners Level Crossing
28 February 2008
I wish to raise an issue for the attention of the Minister for Roads and Ports that was raised in this house by me last ... more >>>
Inquiry References
27 February 2008
I rise to speak in support of the amendment proposed by the member for Doncaster for a comprehensive investigation into ... more >>>
Stephen Jamieson
07 February 2008
On 2 January, while most of us were still welcoming in the new year, Stephen Jamieson of Bendoc was constructing a ... more >>>
School Buses - West Gippsland
05 February 2008
I wish to raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Education. I call on the minister to take action to ... more >>>
Childrens Services and Education Leg. Amend. Bill
06 December 2007
It is with pleasure that I take the opportunity to speak on the Children's Services and Education Legislation Amendment ... more >>>
Warragul Returned and Services League: Funding
05 December 2007
I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Community Development. Almost 12 months ago the Warragul sub-branch of ... more >>>
Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill
22 November 2007
It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Problem Gambling and Other Measures) ... more >>>
Dental Services - Gippsland
22 November 2007
The Minister for Health continues to ignore the crisis in access to public dental health services in Gippsland. To get ... more >>>
Princes Highway, Yarragon: Traffic Lights
21 November 2007
I wish to raise an issue for the attention of the Minister for Roads and Ports. The action I request is for turning ... more >>>
Question On Notice: Ground Water Extraction
20 November 2007
Mr BLACKWOOD - to ask the Minister for Water with reference to groundwater extraction --
(1) Before a water ... more >>>
Federal Member for McMillan: Performance
01 November 2007
I take this opportunity today to congratulate the federal member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent, for the outstanding ... more >>>
Question On Notice: Water - Melbourne Supply
30 October 2007
Mr BLACKWOOD - to ask the Minister for Water, with reference to the dry autumn in 2007 and the prospect of below ... more >>>
Emergency Services Legislation Bill
11 October 2007
It is with pleasure that I take this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Emergency Services Legislation ... more >>>
Haemophilia Awareness Week
11 October 2007
This week is Haemophilia Awareness Week, which runs from 7 to 13 October. It is an initiative of Haemophilia Foundation ... more >>>
Drouin Recreation Reserve: Facilities
10 October 2007
I call on the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs to take action and approve the application by the Baw ... more >>>
Moe Racing Club - Development
20 September 2007
I rise to call on the Minister for Racing to give his full support to a project currently being proposed by the Moe ... more >>>
Crime: Narracan Electorate
23 August 2007
The people of Narracan are sick and tired of the Brumby government refusing to acknowledge that crime is on the ... more >>>
Rail: Drouin East Level Crossing
21 August 2007
I rise to request the Minister for Roads and Ports to take the action required to upgrade the road and rail ... more >>>
Rail: Narracan Electorate
08 August 2007
Once again the rail commuters of Narracan are being treated with pure contempt by this Labor government. During 2006, ... more >>>
Question On Notice: Fuel Reduction
07 August 2007
Mr BLACKWOOD - to ask the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change with reference to the town of Erica, which ... more >>>
Thomson River Flooding (Follow Up)
19 July 2007
During the last sittings of Parliament I raised the issue of a faulty flood warning device at Coopers Creek on the ... more >>>
Rail - Drouin Station Parking
21 June 2007
I wish to raise an issue for the attention of the Minister for Public Transport. I call on the minister to take action ... more >>>
Thomson River - Flooding
21 June 2007
Once again rural Victorians are suffering the consequences of a lack of regard by this Bracks Labor government. With ... more >>>
Water Acts Amendment (Enforcement & O) Bill
07 June 2007
I am pleased to be able to contribute to the debate on the Water Acts Amendment (Enforcement and Other Matters) Bill ... more >>>
Asperger's Syndrome: Government Assistance
07 June 2007
Every day there seems to be more mention in the media about Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. The number of ... more >>>
Dental Services - Funding
24 May 2007
Today I can stand here and address the house because luckily enough I am not in agony with a toothache because I need a ... more >>>
Appropriation (2007-2008) Bill
23 May 2007
The most concerning thought that came to mind as the Bracks Labor government recently announced its budget was: can we ... more >>>
State Taxation and Gambling Legislation Amen. Bill
22 May 2007
It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on the State Taxation and Gambling Legislation Amendment (Budget Measures) ... more >>>
Public Transport Fines
03 May 2007
Recently the Minister for Public Transport has been very reluctant to listen to complaints about the public transport ... more >>>
Gambling and Racing Legislation Amendment Bill
02 May 2007
It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on the Gambling and Racing Legislation Amendment (Sports Betting) Bill. ... more >>>
Howard Florey Institute
01 May 2007
I rise with great pleasure to speak on the Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology and Medicine (Repeal) ... more >>>
Rail - Drouin Carpark
19 April 2007
The Bracks Labor government's 2005-06 budget promised a new car park for the Drouin railway station. The building of ... more >>>
Disability services: commonwealth state/territory
17 April 2007
I call on the Premier to initiate an urgent summit of all state and territory leaders at which he can solicit their ... more >>>
Victims of Crime Assistance Amendment Bill
15 March 2007
I am pleased to stand and join the debate on this bill. I support the bill because I believe that victims of crime ... more >>>
Payroll Tax Amendment (B&E S) Bill
01 March 2007
I am pleased to make a contribution to this debate today. I support the bill which gives payroll tax exemption to ... more >>>
Bushfire Breaks
28 February 2007
I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change. I ask the minister to ... more >>>
Bushfires - Tourism
28 February 2007
The bushfire period this summer has hurt many areas of this great state, but the pain of country Victorians is not ... more >>>
Roads Funding
24 February 2007
In my opinion this matter of public importance raised by the member for Tarneit is an absolute farce. It is typical of ... more >>>
Water - Gippsland
14 February 2007
I stand to condemn the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change for the utter contempt he has shown toward ... more >>>
Address In Reply (First Speech to the Parliament)
20 December 2006
I congratulate you, Speaker, on your elevation to the role of Speaker for the term of this Parliament.
I stand here ... more >>>
