Media Releases

Common sense has finally prevailed according to Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, in responding to the announcement by Small Business Minister, Joe Helper, this week that local Councils will now be able to split public holidays within their Shire boundaries.

“Community anger and protest has forced the Brumby Government to admit their arrogant approach to the implementation of their Show Day legislation was completely misguided,” Mr Walsh said.

“The issues that the Coalition raised in Parliament when the legislation was first introduced were exactly the ones that rallied communities throughout the state in protest at this unfair and poorly thought through regulation on our local Councils.

“Both Labor and the Greens ignored the evidence that was plain for everyone to see that this legislation was flawed and it has taken strong action by the entire community to get this message through,” he said.

“The voice of the hundreds of people who signed the protest petition has been heard and goes to prove that if enough people stand up and demonstrate their feelings strongly enough then we can, and do, achieve appropriate change.

“My congratulations to everyone who signed the petition and who contacted my office in protest, your voices have been heard.

“Now it’s time for Minister Helper to apologise to all the communities who missed out on their Show Day holiday this year because of his Government’s arrogance,” Mr Walsh said.