“Dangerous industries in the west have ageing infrastructure and poor records, and Mobil is one of the worst,” said Greens MLC Colleen Hartland, at the site of this morning’s massive petrol spill in Altona.

“The government only takes notice when an event is big enough to affect other areas, like this one, or there’s a by-election, like this week. Labor and Liberal governments have the same attitude.  They expect us to put up with it.”

“These are dinosaur industries with ageing infrastructure.  Mobil is sacking workers in Altona because they’re not going to make bitumen any more, and they’re sacking workers in Yarraville because they’re not going to make lubricant. ”

Public transport: myki ticketing system

Mr BARBER (Northern Metropolitan) -- My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Public Transport, who happens to be here in the chamber -- and that is great. Of all the lurks and perks around this place, the one that I actually endorse is the pass that provides free public transport for politicians, and that is because, if it encourages politicians to use public transport, that can only be for the good.

Greens did not vote against live music.  The Age report that the Greens had voted against a Liberal motion in parliament to save live music was not correct. In fact, the Greens abstained from voting on the motion as often happens when a motion has several parts, some of which can be supported and some cannot be - as was the case with this one. The motion had no legislative status. We made it clear in the debate that the link between live music and the requirement for security under the licensing rules should be removed. Live music doesn't cause violence. mps.vic.greens.org.au/node/1618

Today: Help toSave the VCA by responding to the Melbourne Uni discussion paper via the SaveVCA website. Deadline: 12 February, 2010

The University of Melbourne has released a discussion paper titled Defining the Future for the VCA and Music at the University of Melbourne. It invites responses from students, staff, graduates and the wider community.  The discussion paper can be downloaded here.

Click here to view Sue's speeches in parliament and media releases supporting the VCA's highly regarded practical courses and unique atelier tradition.