Country-based Liberal-Nationals MPs were unable to make it back in time for the start of Parliament today, after travelling to Remembrance Day services in their local electorates.
Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said the Andrews Labor Government had scheduled a sitting day of Parliament on Remembrance Day, with a delayed start time of 2pm.
That only allowed enough time for city MPs to attend Remembrance Day services in their electorates, while country MPs were left unable to get back to Parliament on time.
“Remembrance Day is such an important opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made to keep our country safe and it’s a day all MPs rightly want to spend with their communities,” Mr Walsh said.
“Postponing the start of Parliament has been of no help to country MPs who live three or four hours away from Melbourne and have been unable to get back to Parliament on time.
“Yet again we have seen the Andrews Labor Government make a decision that is solely focused on the city while forgetting all about country Victorians.
“Parliament should not sit on Remembrance Day at all, as a mark of respect.
“The former Coalition Government made a deliberate decision not to schedule Parliament on Remembrance Day and I urge Daniel Andrews to show more respect and do the same in future.
“Country MPs should not be forced to choose between spending this important day with their communities and attending Parliament on time.”