The Albanese Government should release the details of its plan to provide interest-free loans to businesses impacted by the fuel crisis and add the agricultural sector to the program, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster MP said today. Dr Webster said the Labor Government should come clean on whether farmers were included in the Economic Resilience…
DetailsVictoria’s timber towns continue to pay the price for Labor’s reckless closure of the native timber industry, with the Auditor General’s report exposing the failures of the Allan Government’s botched transition plan. The Nationals’ Melina Bath said the report confirmed Labor’s transition failed to deliver secure jobs or sustainable livelihoods, validating the firsthand experience of…
DetailsAn interim report into the Inquiry into Victoria’s Early Childhood Education and Care sector has been tabled in state parliament, highlighting the need to prioritise child safety while examining safety standards, regulation, workforce conditions and oversight. The Nationals’ Melina Bath, a member of the Select Committee conducting the Inquiry, welcomed the interim report, saying it…
DetailsThe Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe said that crime continues to rise across the Shepparton District as local police are left inadequately resourced by Premier Jacinta Allan and Labor. Latest data from the independent Crime Statistics Agency shows there was a 3.5 per cent increase in Greater Shepparton and 3.4 per cent increase…
DetailsThe Allan Government’s decision to order 150 gigalitres of drinking water from the Wonthaggi desalination plant is set to add almost $30 a year to water bills across the state. This comes at a time when Victorians are already managing the burden of Labor’s cost-of-living crisis. “This decision will unfairly push water bills higher…
DetailsThe Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe is encouraging local residents, farmers and community groups across the Shepparton District electorate to have their say on the current public consultation into the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Ms O’Keeffe said the current review allows for an important opportunity for communities across Northern Victoria to help shape the…
DetailsThe Allan Labor Government’s crime crisis is tearing at the heart of regional Victoria. Beyond the tobacco store fire-bombings, the knife crime, and diesel being stolen from farmers, Labor’s soft approach on crime has now seen our CFA heroes targeted. Last Wednesday night, Browns Plains CFA and Carlyle CFA had chainsaws stolen. …
DetailsMallee residents can report fuel outages in their area using a new website, Dr Anne Webster MP, Federal Member for Mallee, said today, calling on residents to log fuel shortages on www.nofuelhere.com.au as communities across regional Australia feel the sting of the nation’s fuel crisis. “Amid a persistent and strong line of questioning in Question Time from…
DetailsThe Nationals’ Melina Bath told state parliament that regional Victoria faces an escalating diesel crisis and demanded the Allan Government prioritise fuel supplies outside of the tram tracks to keep agriculture and transport moving. Ms Bath said farmers across eastern Victoria rely on a stable and sufficient supply of diesel to sow, grow and harvest…
DetailsThe Nationals’ Melina Bath has congratulated the winners of the Victorian Industry Seafood Awards in state parliament, highlighting the exceptional quality of Victorian seafood produced in regional communities. Ms Bath who is also Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation said Victorian seafood is renowned for its freshness, sustainability and premium standards. “Gippsland is a major contributor…
DetailsFederal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed a community-driven campaign to attract a new general practitioner (GP) to Lakes Entrance, describing it as a positive step to strengthen local healthcare services. Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre has launched the initiative to recruit an experienced GP who can expand appointment availability for patients and support the…
DetailsNew food labelling laws that will safeguard Victorian farmers and keep consumers informed when buying meat and dairy at the supermarket, have been tabled in parliament. Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, said immediate changes to food safety laws were needed, “to ensure stronger consumer transparency, protect our farmers, and hold emerging food technologies…
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