In rising to speak in this conscience debate, I would like to move a reasoned amendment to the second-reading motion. I desire to move: That all the words after ‘That’ be omitted with the view of inserting in their place the words: ‘the house declines..

At the outset I say to the four members who requested it that I will be very happy to visit their respective electorates. I want to thank the member for Mordialloc for being a committed advocate for his community, particularly in the area of education. I was recently with him at Parkdale Primary School to confirm funding in the state budget, as we promised to deliver improvements at the school. He is a great advocate for education and schools in his electorate, and I thank him for raising the issue of Yarrabah School in Aspendale

I take this opportunity to congratulate Wes Fleming, a leading horticulturalist with Fleming's Nurseries in my electorate of Monbulk and a good friend of Meagan and I, on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year's Australia Day honours. I have spoken in this place before about Wes and Fleming's Nurseries, in particular Wes's success at the Chelsea Flower Show. Along with designer Phillip Johnson, Wes and his team was awarded the prestigious Best in Show medal in 2013.

My final contribution for this parliamentary term is on the issue I have spoken the most about, which is the closure of Swinburne Lilydale.

The Belgrave South Recreation Reserve is a wonderful facility. A major and much-needed redevelopment of the pavilion has been ongoing for many years.

The Olinda pool is a much-loved community facility. Unfortunately cracks were discovered in the pool more than 12 months ago, causing the council to close the pool down. In January the Yarra Ranges Shire Council passed a motion to expedite its reopening but, unfortunately, has done nothing since. It deliberately ran down the facility, closed it and now has no intention of reopening it. It is not good enough.

I also took some time last week to meet a couple of new principals in the Monbulk electorate. Lynn Ordish is the new acting principal -- and hopefully soon-to-be principal -- of Monbulk Primary School.

I congratulate the Monbulk Business Network and the organisers of the Monbulk Classic Car and Bike Show, which was held last Sunday.

I was very pleased to visit one of my great local schools, Monbulk College, last week with the Leader of the Opposition. I would like to read from the school council president's contribution to the Monbulk College News.

It was great to join with the Leader of the Opposition at Mooroolbark East Primary School recently. I am very impressed with the school, which is a large primary school with over 500 children. It is particularly welcoming of students with additional needs and runs a very successful and innovative program. However, the school has needs.

I would like to pay tribute to Murray McAlister, who recently passed away. Murray's life was one of dedication and love for his family, his community of the Dandenong ranges and his career as an educator.

I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Sport and Recreation in the other place. The action I seek is that the minister approve a Community Facilities Funding program major facilities application for the Upwey Tecoma community recreational and sporting hub (UTCRASH). I congratulate Yarra Ranges Shire Council and the councillors that have approved the application, including Councillor Maria McCarthy, seeking $500 000 for this very exciting project to replace a well-loved but updated pavilion, which includes portables acting as change rooms.

On Saturday I attended the Monbulk Football Netball Club's president's lunch. We were entertained by the legendary Merv Hughes, and I spoke again to club members about their plans for the redevelopment of the recreation reserve.

Last Sunday night I attended the Jewish Catholic Friendship Dinner at the Catholic Leadership Centre. Along with the member for Caulfield, I heard about an interfaith trip to Jerusalem by four Christians, four Jews and four Muslims.

I want to congratulate William Ruthven Secondary College on its exhibition entitled 'Our Place -- A Multicultural School in a Multicultural Melbourne and World' on display this week in Queen's Hall. It is great, Speaker, and I am sure you have had a look at the display.

The Premier said in his press conference, 'We will not be held to ransom by Mr Shaw and his antics'. Yes, he will be held to ransom. There is no government business program and no debate about the Privileges Committee report into the rorting of the member for Frankston -- no debate.

I was very pleased to attend the Basketball Victoria annual awards dinner on Tuesday, 29 April, along with 300 other people.