Dear Editor, Another week, another Allan Labor Government sidestep and back pedal – this time on gas. Premier Allan’s latest U-turn is another example of the Labor Government’s chaos and mismanagement. The Premier implemented unrealistic renewables targets, shut off gas in favour of electricity, but has now realised gas is critical…
DetailsThe Allan Labor Government has come under fire for a blatant cash grab, with revelations it siphoned off nine per cent of a $2 million federal blackspot grant intended for a state and local council road intersection project. Despite refusing to contribute any state funding or take responsibility for managing the project in Mansfield…
DetailsDear Editor, Our $200 million Glasgow gift is deeply embarrassing. That huge sum, paid by Victorians to run our own cancelled Commonwealth Games in Scotland, is a massive slap in the face amid a cost-of-living crisis. Imagine how that $200 million could have been spent in regional Victoria. It could have…
DetailsPremier Jacinta Allan has delivered another hammer blow to producers and regional communities, refusing to reverse a March decision to strip them of their right to appeal. Producers impacted by renewable energy projects can no longer turn to VCAT, the equivalent of the third umpire, for justice amid fast-tracked solar, wind turbines, batteries and…
DetailsDear Editor, The split between the Allan Labor Government and regional Victoria is real. With hundreds taking their anger to the streets in Premier Allan’s backyard, Bendigo, the frustration grows as communities are sick and tired of being treated as second-class citizens. This anger was echoed at the Bendigo Bush Summit, where…
DetailsA parliamentary inquiry has uncovered allegations the Allan Labor Government held over millions in local council grants to prop up its own balance sheet. One large regional council told the Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services it was left with a $14 million “hole” because the state government did not follow usual convention…
DetailsDear Editor, Mergers are mergers, no matter how they’re framed. The Nationals have launched a petition https://www.handsoffourhospitals.com.au/ and we urge you to support it. Regional health services are in crisis, with 22 out of 23 operating in deficit. Elective surgeries are being cut, and ambulance services are failing to meet critical…
DetailsToday in Question Time, Premier Jacinta Allan made the extraordinary claim that the suburban rail loop would benefit “all Victorians.” Reality is, this is a $216 billion niche project that swings from Cheltenham to Box Hill in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs with no positive impact on regional Victoria. Even worse, it is draining money away…
DetailsThe Nationals leader and Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, says the Allan Labor government is so determined to squeeze blood out of every unturned stone to offset its financial incompetence it is now punishing local shires for running vital healthcare programs. But Mr Walsh says its latest penny-pinching cash grab – to charge…
DetailsThe Allan Labor Government’s “Free Kinder’” program is far from free. Ratepayers are helping to foot the bill, according to key Local Government leaders. A Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government funding and services has revealed many regional councils are facing substantial financial and logistical challenges in delivering these so-called “free” services. Warrnambool…
DetailsThe Allan Labor Government is marching ahead with mergers of regional health services, regardless of its spin and rhetoric. A report today revealed regional health will be consolidated into five “local health service networks” – Barwon South West, Grampians, Loddon Mallee, Hume and Gippsland. Premier Allan has claimed here will be no “forced”…
DetailsA regional council has revealed it is being asked to pay what amounts to an “immunisation tax” by the Allan Labor Government. In an alarming example of cost-shifting, Corangamite Shire Council said it was now being charged a $6000 fixed cost, and then $2 to record each immunisation administered. Corangamite Shire CEO David…
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