Here are my latest updates from Parliament and around the Brunswick electorate (Brunswick, Brunswick East, Brunswick West, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill & Carlton North).
In this month’s newsletter:
- Brunswick’s Level Crossing Removal update,
- What really happened at Land Forces,
- Freedom from information laws,
- A climate win!,
- Vaping and tobacco licensing scheme,
- And Critical Mass Sydney Road
Missed last month’s newsletter? You can find it here if you’d like to read about empty homes in Brunswick East, student protestors facing expulsion, and a huge showing for NAIDOC week.
Brunswick Skyrail News
After some long delays, the Government has finally released a timeline and draft plan for Brunswick’s Level Crossing Removal and Skyrail project. This is a good sign that the project is actually going ahead, however, I have some concerns, and I’m not the only one.
The draft plan announced that three stations, Jewell, Brunswick, and Anstey, would be replaced with just two stations, despite council objections. The extra distance may not be an issue for many, but without accessible tram stops on Sydney Road, the Brunswick disabled community rely on the Upfield line and I am concerned that this change may make it less accessible.
Given Labor now has a timeline for works, I hope to see a plan to upgrade Sydney Road with accessible tram stops prior to the line closing so that those with all mobility needs are able to access public transport in the area.
Unfortunately, the Government hasn’t committed to increasing the frequency of the Upfield train line and we have been told that this isn’t within the scope of the project. The Upfield line needs more frequent trains and there are a number of ways they could achieve this. 20 minutes between services is not good enough.
Now to bike lanes… The Upfield path sees around 2500 bike trips a day, yet there seems to be no plan for where these cyclists will go while the path is closed for construction. Neither cyclists nor cars want to see a few thousand extra commuters on Sydney Road each day, especially given the condition of the current bike lane (if you can call it that).
I look forward to the improved bike lanes and open spaces once this project is completed, and I know there are many locals who will be glad to hear the end of train horns at all hours of the night.
Consultation is about to begin and I hope there is a genuine attempt to learn what the locals want, rather than just a public relations exercise.I know many residents have concerns about this project and I want to hear from all of you.
I will be chatting with anyone who has concerns at Bulleke Bek Park on Sunday the 13th of October, from 12pm to 2pm. RSVP here for more information or send me an email to arrange another time.
Freedom “From” Information: an overhaul of Vic’s FOI laws.
Last week, the long campaign to push our Labor state government to stop jailing kids as young as ten, took a step forward when the Youth Justice Bill passed the upper house. The age of criminal responsibility goes up from 10 years Victoria’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Laws are failing the community. Last week, as Chair of the Parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee, I tabled a report calling for an overhaul of the FOI system.
The current system requires users to pull information from agencies through formal requests, facing delays, high fees, and in some agencies, a defensive culture of refusing to release information wherever possible.
Our report recommended replacing it with a system that gives the public the right to obtain information.
The Right to Information Act would favour disclosure, with only limited exceptions to protect privacy and when disclosure would cause substantial harm that is not outweighed by public interest.
Victorians should not have to battle with a FOI system that has a reputation for being impenetrable, to access information that is in the public interest. Transparency is vital to the integrity of our democracy
The Government has six-months to respond to the Committee’s report. I will keep you updated when we know more.
What really happened at the Land Forces Protests?
Earlier this month the Victorian Government sponsored the largest weapons expo in the southern hemisphere right here in Naarm, bringing the business of war to our doorstep.
The Greens called on the Premier to cancel the weapons expo, instead, Labor deployed thousands of additional police with expanded powers against anti-war protesters, at a cost of $15 million.
Hundreds, including legal observers, journalists, and medics providing first aid, were injured by rubber bullets, tear gas and pepper spray.
The police and political response shows a significant escalation in Victoria’s treatment of protesters. I recall marching in the nuclear disarmament protests in the 1980s when the police were less numerous and weren’t bristling with the military hardware they have now.
Following the protest, Labor, the Liberals and the media have pushed a narrative of violent protesters taking over the streets. But statements from independent legal observers and the hours of footage live-streamed and shared to social media, paint a very different picture.
The Greens have called for an independent review into police behaviour, to be done by Victoria’s anti-corruption body, IBAC, and have called on the “charity” that runs the weapons expo to be deregistered.
Despite all of this, planning for the 2026 Land Forces Weapons Expo is already underway.
The Greens have a deep rooted history in the anti-war movement and we will always advocate for peace and non-violence.
Sign up to the campaign to cancel Land Forces 2026.
Seismic Blasting Win
Cheers interrupted the Victorian Greens MPs’ party room meeting in Parliament last Thursday morning when we heard that TGS, an oil and gas survey company, had cancelled a large project off the coast of Western Victoria. This seismic blasting project was an environmental nightmare without even considering the emissions of any gas fields they might find. We’ve been supporting local campaign groups in their fight and I’m delighted by this news.
It was back to business as usual the next day though. On the Grand Final Friday holiday, the Albanese government approved another gas extraction project in the same area. The struggle against new coal and gas projects continues!
Vaping
A state parliamentary inquiry into vaping and tobacco controls has just issued its report, shortly after federal anti-vaping laws were tightened.
They called for retail licensing in Victoria (something I’ve raised several times over the past few years), and more powers for police and a single state agency within the Department of Justice to oversee it all.
I supported these calls in parliament, while emphasising that we will need to adjust policy to keep pace with changes in consumer and black market behaviour – you can watch my speech here.
We took over Sydney Road
If you were in Brunswick last Thursday you may have noticed hundreds of cyclists riding from State Library up Sydney Road.
Thanks to everyone who came out for our biggest bike protest yet! We heard from local community members from the Merri-Bek and Yarra BUGs, as well as disability rights activist, Christian Astourian, from the Sydney Road Accessible Tram Stops campaign.
Unfortunately the Minister for Public and Active Transport did not attend, despite our kind invitation. I will be sure to follow up with the Minister and continue to raise the need for safe, separate bike lanes on Sydney Road.
P.S. Did you miss the ride? Make sure to follow Critical Mass Melb on Facebook for details of the next ride.
What’s on in the neighbourhood
If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you may have noticed that I regularly post events and opportunities that are happening in the Brunswick area. Here’s my most recent post where you can find out about events and opportunities including community grants, a RAHU fundraiser, school holiday programs, gigs, and more, and you can always email me to suggest other events and opportunities you’d like me to share.
Thanks for getting this far! Remember, if there’s anything you want to raise with me, you can always get in touch with my office on [email protected] or (03) 9384 1241.
Until next time,
Tim
