David Feeney (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Justice) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In every community there is a building or a place that is not just part of the landscape but it is part of the culture and is often much loved as an expression of the community itself. In the middle of my electorate sits Preston Market. In many ways this market and the people who work there and shop there are a tangible expression of the community it serves. It is a loud, busy place and it proudly celebrates the diversity of our multicultural community.

Recent redevelopment plans have caused a degree of concern in the community and amongst the traders whose livelihoods centre on the market. For the community one of the key concerns is maintaining the character of the place, a character that we have all grown to love. For traders, these concerns centre around the uncertainty that change brings. Over the last couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to hear from the community and traders. There has been a positive campaign from the community to come together, talk through these concerns, and advocate for a beneficial outcome. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the market grows with the community in a way that retains the place's integrity and looks after its diverse traders.