I rise as a senator for Victoria, a state that I love and that is sadly now in a state of disaster—I don't mean just those who have lost lives in COVID-19. I give my condolences to the 438 families who have needlessly lost loved ones, and I pray the 3,600 active cases get well soon, like the 14,000-plus cases who have already recovered.

On 15 April of this year, two young women from the University of Melbourne were walking along Elizabeth Street in Melbourne in my home state of Victoria, when they were assaulted because of their race and ethnicity. To these two students, I would like to say – we stand with you.

The Opposition Leader’s recent flutter at climate change this past week is the ALP’s weakest attempt yet to insert itself in to a debate that has left Labor lost in space.

Yesterday, I rose in this place to express our condolences to those who suffered loss in the recent devastating bushfires, and to thank those who have worked so hard to combat them.

It was not the time for partisan debate nor expressing outrage on the circumstances surrounding such tragedy, but rather a time for sombre reflection, rolling up our sleeves, or both.

I rise to make a statement on the parlous state of energy supply in Victoria.

My once great state is now facing a high probability of electricity blackouts this summer due to the failures of the Andrews government.

Our oceans are choking with plastic and other waste, yet conversations within our community are repetitive, and action needs to move at a quicker pace. Single-use plastics are everywhere. Plastic bags carry our groceries and single-use plastic bottles stack our shelves in our supermarkets despite there being clear alternatives like aluminium and glass. From the comfort of our home, images flash on our television screens of marine wildlife washing up having been tangled in or having ingested a single-use plastic item.