Parliament
West Hawthorn Kindergarten
March 5, 2020 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (11:44): (2017) My question is for the Minister for Education. What will the minister do to support the hardworking kindergartens in my electorate of Hawthorn as they are faced with growing demand for four-year-old kindergarten and braced with excitement for the roll...
Glen Iris Junior Football Club
March 5, 2020 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (17:34): (2027) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, who just happens to be here at the moment. The action I seek is that she ensure that the Glen Iris Junior Football Club, the Gladiators, continue to have access...
Hon. John Cain
February 24, 2020 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (16:20): As principal of Loyola College, Watsonia, I knew John Cain for a long time as the member for Bundoora. He was a diligent local member and most supportive of constituents and the local community, including Loyola. Ceremonial duties that he put...
Owners, Corporations And Other Acts Amendment Bill 2019
February 24, 2020 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (18:15): This bill sees changes to the Owners Corporations Act 2006 and the Retirement Villages Act 1987. I point out that for the past four years I have lived in a retirement village myself; however, these legislative changes will not directly impact...
Jesuit Social Services
February 24, 2020 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (09:45): Sitting opposite the Hawthorn electorate office is Ignite Cafe, next door to the Camberwell library, where my staff team and I gather at 8.30 am for tea and coffee every Monday to plan the week ahead. Jesuit Social Services run Ignite...
Constituency Question To The Minister For Energy, Environment and Climate Change
January 28, 2020 - Parliament
My constituency question is for the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Minister for Solar Homes and is about the solar panel rebate scheme. The Andrews Labor government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes program will install solar panels, solar hot water or solar batteries at...
Adjournment Matter For The Minister For Health
January 14, 2020 - Parliament
My adjournment matter tonight is for the Minister for Health and concerns the government’s SunSmart program. The action I seek is that she approves the school shade grants application of Hawthorn West Primary in my electorate. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin...
Constituency Question To The Minister For Health
January 14, 2020 - Parliament
My question is for the Minister for Health in the other place. What will the minister do to assist community groups in my Hawthorn electorate to provide shade and sun-protective items in their outdoor spaces and for events? The Andrews Labor government has an ambitious...
Constituency Question To The Minister For Public Transport
December 12, 2019 - Parliament
My constituency question is for the Minister for Public Transport. As many in this place know, I am an avid user of public transport. My question to the minister is: what is the time line for the rollout of the new myki gates, particularly in...
Local Government Bill 2019
November 28, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (12:20:07): I rise to speak on the Local Government Bill 2019, and I would like to begin by just saying a few words about one of the great marriages in heaven. One of the great marriages in heaven is the fact that...
Shade Grants
November 28, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (11:47:56): (1778) My question is for the Minister for Health in the other place. What will the minister do to assist community groups in my Hawthorn electorate to provide shade and sun-protective items in their outdoor spaces and for events? The Andrews Labor...
Caroline Chisholm Society
November 27, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (09:48:10): In another place far from here we are offered the simplistic mantra of ‘A fair go for those who have a go’. This morning I join members in paying tribute to the Caroline Chisholm Society on the occasion of the 50th anniversary...
Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment (Workplace Manslaughter And Other Matters) Bill 2019
November 14, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (16:13:00): I imagine—in the work that I do, anyway, in this place and that is associated with this place—there is a thirst for a world that is fair, productive and compassionate, and personally I try to apply all three. I recognise that it...
Camberwell Junction Crown Land
November 13, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (09:51:17): On 31 October I lodged a petition on behalf of many passionate residents of the City of Boroondara in my electorate of Hawthorn. The petition outlined how more public parks and playgrounds are needed for the rapidly growing population of Camberwell Junction...
Hawthorn West Primary School
November 12, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (19:17:45): (1431) My adjournment matter tonight is for the Minister for Health and concerns the government’s SunSmart program. The action I seek is that the minister approves the school shade grants application of Hawthorn West Primary School in my electorate. Australia has one...
Justice Legislation Amendment Criminal Appeals Bill 2019
October 31, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (16:40:02): I would like to begin my remarks with some reference to general issues of law and order. I go back to my own election campaign in October 2018. In Hawthorn West, outside a number of shops, there was another candidate for Hawthorn...
Solar Homes Program
October 31, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (11:50:17): (1388) My constituency question is for the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Minister for Solar Homes and is about the solar panel rebate scheme. The Andrews Labor government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes program will install solar panels, solar hot...
Justice Legislation Amendment (Serious Offenders And Other Matters) Bill 2019
October 29, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (15:41:50): The purpose of this bill is, consistent with the Andrews Labor government’s determination to safeguard the community, to strengthen the operation of prisons, parole and the post-sentence supervision scheme to further enhance community safety. As has previously been noted, the bill will...
Baby Bundles
October 29, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (14:09:59): Elsie Kathleen Quinn was born three weeks ago today at Mercy Hospital for Women in Heidelberg to Fionnuala Kennedy and Dominic Quinn. This has brought great joy to this first-time grandfather standing before you and his wife, Bronwyn Lane. Together they have...
Victoria-China Links
October 17, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (10:01:13): The schools in the Hawthorn electorate are proud of their strong ties to China. Nearly all offer Mandarin, host international students and have sister school arrangements in place. Auburn High is running a leadership program in China in November. This member is...
Land (Revocation of Reservations) Bill 2019
October 15, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (17:58:47): As I near the first anniversary of my election to this house, I enjoy reminiscing about the thrills of being the member for Hawthorn and part of a government that has achieved so much—announcing funding for schools, raising flags at various...
Children Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
August 29, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (14:09:25): I rise to speak on mandatory reporting being extended to include people in religious ministry. This has specific relevance to the Catholic Church and in particular its sacrament of reconciliation known as confession. Unfortunately some have seen this as some sort of...
Budget Papers 2019-20
August 15, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (16:24:11): I am delighted to comment on the Andrews budget. My electorate of Hawthorn has benefited greatly from exciting and well-received initiatives. The hard work and commitment of many constituents has been recognised in this budget. We are listening to the people of...
Public Holidays Amendment Bill 2019
June 18, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (17:22:46): Today I rise to speak proudly on the Public Holidays Amendment Bill 2019. The bill will enshrine in legislation Easter Sunday and Grand Final Friday as public holidays. It will also legislate for an additional public holiday when Christmas Day falls on...
Boroondara Cares Foundation
June 5, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (10:00:30): I would like to speak about a charitable initiative within my Hawthorn electorate: the Boroondara Cares Chances scholarship program. This program helps motivated and talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, aiding them to excel in their school environment free of financial burdens....
Auburn High School Redevelopment
May 28, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (10:05:18): As a former secondary principal I sure know a good school when I encounter one, whether it be seeing well-turned-out students on the 75 tram down Burwood and Riversdale roads, a carefully planned school assembly or the sharing of lively classroom conversations....
Victorian Honour Roll Of Women
March 19, 2019 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (18:12:42): I am pleased to advise the house that three of the 21 inductees to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2019 are from the go-ahead Hawthorn electorate. Ms Judy Dalton showed courage in 1970 when she broke away from the tennis...
John Kennedy’s Inaugural Speech
February 20, 2019 - News, Parliament
Speaker, I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we gather. I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. As for family background. I rejoice in the proclamation of Pope John 23rd that “half the world is Irish and...