Daniel Andrews’ senseless decision to ban Victoria’s sustainable native timber industry will cut thousands of jobs and lessen our state’s ability to fight bushfires. Timber contractors play a vital role in helping emergency services fight bushfire in steep and difficult terrain, voluntarily stopping work to clear access for fire trucks, to build fire breaks and…
DetailsOn a second day of intense questioning in State Parliament, Premier Daniel Andrews couldn’t answer allegations that his new VicForests CEO is telling timber workers Labor’s ban is a purely political decision based on ideology. The Andrews Labor Government also would not respond to concerns that the mental health of people in the industry was…
DetailsThe Andrews Government should be investing more in agriculture research and development, not axing jobs. On Friday, it was revealed 49 jobs across Agriculture Victoria’s research centres would be cut. Asked to explain the job cuts in State Parliament, Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes arrogantly attempted to wash her hands of responsibility, blaming “organisational change”. Even…
DetailsDaniel Andrews has been caught out lying to regional Victorians about his Labor Government’s short-sighted decision to shut down Victoria’s native timber industry. Today in State Parliament, the Premier was asked how much high-quality appearance-grade plantation timber will be ready to harvest when Labor’s native timber ban starts in 2030. In refusing to answer, Daniel…
DetailsDaniel Andrews has been caught out spending more money defending his botched wire rope barrier program than on the Government’s campaigns related to drug driving, driver fatigue and vehicle safety combined. Figures buried deep within the TAC 2018-19 Annual Report (p. 92-93) highlight that the government spent $2.45 million defending its flawed roll out of…
DetailsDaniel Andrews’ betrayal of regional Victoria continues today with revelations of shock job cuts at Agriculture Victoria. Just 24 hours after revealing his disastrous plan to shut down Victoria’s native timber industry, the arrogant Premier for Melbourne has swung the axe again. This time it’s 50 talented front-line researchers at sites across Victoria and the…
DetailsComment attributable to Leader of the Opposition Michael O’Brien Today Labor has shown it will sacrifice hardworking people and family businesses to chase Greens Party preferences. The Liberal Nationals will stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional communities and fight the arrogant Premier for Melbourne every step of the way on his disastrous plan. Daniel…
DetailsMember for Murray Plains Peter Walsh and Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier have called for the release of the feasibility study on the Swan Hill Hospital upgrade after a tour of the local facility yesterday. In Swan Hill on Wednesday, Mr Walsh and Ms Crozier also met with the Swan Hill Needs a New…
DetailsMember for Murray Plains Peter Walsh has called on the Andrews Labor Government to support community groups in regional Victoria to hold events that bring positive social and economic benefits to local communities. Speaking yesterday in State Parliament, Mr Walsh said Echuca’s iconic Southern 80 ski race, organised by the Moama Water Sports Club, was…
DetailsThe Andrews Government still has no timeline to finish the Murray Basin Rail Project. In State Parliament today, Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan was asked to detail the Government’s plans to complete the once-in-a-generation freight rail upgrades, but refused to say when – or if – the project will be completed. Stakeholders have lost all…
DetailsHealth partnerships working to create healthier communities across Murray Plains face more uncertainty after the Andrews Government again refused to provide long-term funding. Primary Care Partnerships (PCPs) actively contribute to the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and their communities in regional Victoria, but have only been funded to June 2020 while a review is…
DetailsWednesday 16 October 2019 The Andrews Labor Government has teamed up with the Greens and Animal Justice Party to vote against stronger penalties for people trespassing on Victorian farms. Parliament’s Legislative Council today voted on the Crimes Amendment (Trespass) Bill 2019, which set out a new offence of ‘aggravated’ trespass with increased penalties and…
DetailsWednesday 16 October 2019 Regional communities will expect the new Commissioner to be frank and fearless with his advice to the Andrews Government. Labor may have put him on the payroll but at the end of the day it’s taxpayers’ dollars and Mr Tuohey’s job is to stand up for our regional communities. Labor’s…
DetailsMember for Murray Plains Peter Walsh has pushed the Andrews Labor Government to follow through on a commitment to put Rochester’s iconic Random House on the market. Speaking in Victorian Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Walsh asked Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan for confirmation on when the property, currently owned by the Department…
DetailsLeader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains is encouraging grassroots organisations based in the Swan Hill and Gannawarra Shires to apply for grants of up to $150,000 to access the resources they need to support one another through the ongoing effects of the drought. Mr Walsh said the Tackling Tough Times Together grant…
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