A special inquiry should be established in Victoria to investigate COVID-19-related impacts on mental health, including harrowing evidence the pandemic contributed to a surge in suicide and youth self-harm. The recommendation is part of a new minority report published today as part of Victoria’s pandemic management inquiry. The report delivered 22 scathing findings on the…
The new one-billion-dollar Victorian hydrogen strategy released by The Nationals and Liberals ahead of the Victoria state election restores hope for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions for regional Victoria. Mr McCurdy said, “This Victorian gas reservation policy for new gas developments is a fantastic solution for regional Victoria and sustainable new energy future.…
Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, is calling on North East Water (NEW) to hold a plebiscite into the proposed location of a new raw water offtake plant in Mount Beauty, in the wake of the announcement that Sites 2 and 9 were the final options being examined. “My concerns are around the transparency…
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien has welcomed the latest energy and climate change policies released by The Nationals and Liberals, saying they will give huge opportunities for jobs and economic development in Gippsland. Mr O’Brien said the establishment of a $1 billion Victorian Hydrogen Strategy to support research, development and adoption…
A new one-billion-dollar Victorian hydrogen strategy released by The Nationals and Liberals ahead of the Victoria state election holds great hope for the Latrobe Valley. The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath said The Nationals and Liberals policy included a commitment to hydrogen, a boost for locals seeking solar panels and batteries at…
The Federal Labor Government has finally caved to sensible demands from livestock producers, farm lobby groups and The Nationals to bolster protections against foot and mouth disease (FMD). Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has finally confirmed sanitation mats will be installed at Australia’s international airports to combat the spread of Indonesia’s outbreak of FMD. It comes…
The arrival of varroa mite in Australia is causing concern for apiarists, Gippsland honey producers and Victoria’s horticulture industry. Australia was free of varroa mite until last month when its presence was detected on the New South Wales coast. The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath recently met with members of the Gippsland…
The Andrews Labor Government has delivered another blow to the local community by refusing to grant primary schools an exemption from the State Government banking mandate. The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy made a formal request to the Minister for Education after being approached by Dunkeld Consolidated School and Coleraine Primary School to express…
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath is encouraging Gippsland primary producers to assess farm safety and their health and wellbeing during National Farm Safety Week. “This year the theme is ‘Recipe for Averting Disaster – and growing up on a dairy farm I understand the importance of looking after personal health and…
Dear Editor, Rising household energy bills are just one of the painful financial impacts of the skyrocketing cost-of-living for regional Victorians. While Victorian Labor is firmly sitting on its hands and refusing to offer us any relief, voting for a change in Government in November will deliver you and your family positive solutions to bring…
The Victorian Nationals have called out the federal government’s refusal to implement strict new biosecurity measures to stop foot and mouth disease breaching Australia’s borders and decimating Victorian agriculture. Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said Labor’s federal Minister for Agriculture had said the government would implement any practical measures…
Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy is calling on the Andrews Labor Government to acknowledge its part in the current building crisis and work with regional building sectors to help get them back on track. The calls come after the collapse of Hotondo Homes Horsham last week due to what…