The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, recently hosted Victorian Liberal Leader Jess Wilson as part of Ms Wilson’s regional Fresh Start Tour.
Ms Wilson was joined by Victorian Nationals Leader Danny O’Brien for visits across the Mildura electorate, including key regional employers Sunbeam Foods and GTS Freight Management and Sacred Heart Primary School, where they met with local employers, educators and community leaders to hear directly about the issues affecting north-west Victoria.
A key feature of the visit was an announcement at Mildura Base Public Hospital, where Ms Wilson, Mr O’Brien and Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier committed that, if elected, a Coalition Government would expand and upgrade the hospital to strengthen the capacity of the region’s major health service.
The visit reinforced the importance of regional Victoria having a strong voice in state decision-making.
“North-west Victoria is a powerhouse of agriculture, horticulture, freight, tourism and small business, and it is vital that communities like ours are properly recognised in the decisions that shape this state,” Ms Benham said.
“The people of north-west Victoria contribute enormously to Victoria’s economy and deserve fair investment in return.
Ms Benham said it was encouraging to see Victoria’s alternative government engaging directly with regional communities and local industry.
“Jess Wilson’s visit showed she is prepared to come to regional Victoria, listen to local communities and understand what is needed to support them.
“Only The Nationals and Liberals have a clear vision for Victoria’s future — one that recognises there is a Victoria beyond Melbourne and ensures regional communities are not left behind.
“Only The Nationals and Liberals will deliver a fair share for regional communities and ensure they are no longer treated as an afterthought.”
Caption: Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, Victorian Leader of The Nationals, Danny O’Brien, The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham toured Sunbeam Foods.
