CFA volunteers across Gippsland continue to wait for crucial fire stations upgrades as new figures confirm the Allan Labor Government has cut CFA funding by $55 million in real terms since 2020. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien said local communities have been forced to wait years…
DetailsThe Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien MP, has expressed confusion and disappointment as Port Welshpool Coastguard was overlooked for funding to replace its 25-year-old rescue vessel. Mr O’Brien’s comments follow a recent state government announcement of funding for new rescue vessels for Coast Guard Western Port and the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad. “While…
DetailsAs school returns for 2026 many Gippsland students will be returning to classrooms that have been officially rated as poor or below average according to new Department of Education data. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said there is a growing gap between new school developments in the city and the neglected condition…
DetailsBendigo residents are rightly frustrated by a series of stalled and mismanaged State Government projects that have left millions of dollars tied up in unused and neglected assets. The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said ongoing government waste was a major concern in the Premier’s own backyard. “The most glaring example is the…
DetailsThe ongoing and unresolved funding crisis of the CFA has been exposed with the Allan Government finally released the CFA annual report under pressure. The Nationals’ Melina Bath said frustrated CFA volunteers are highly concerned that they are fighting fires using aging fleet and equipment which is puts lives at risk. “Analysis of…
DetailsGrants to assist local families can now apply for assistance through the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) with the start of the 2026 school term. The Nationals’ Melina Bath said the fund provides support for eligible families to go towards the cost of school camps, sporting programs and excursions. “Camps, sports and excursions are…
DetailsFederal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called on the East Gippsland Shire Council to publicly explain its failure to deliver a highly popular boardwalk project in a timely manner, despite receiving more than $5 million in Commonwealth funding. Mr Chester has written to Mayor Jodie Ashworth to formally request a briefing on the timelines,…
DetailsFive CHC Helicopter personnel who were stationed at the East Sale RAAF Base during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires have been recognised with the National Emergency Medal for their outstanding service in responding to one of Australia’s worst natural disasters. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester presented the medals during a ceremony at the East…
DetailsState Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has again called on the Labor Government to urgently act on concerning road conditions on the Paynesville Road near Bairnsdale, one of many in the area needing urgent attention. Paynesville Road is a critical route for residents and tourists accessing the Gippsland Lakes. Its surface has deteriorated…
DetailsNationals stand firm for gun owners, free speech and regional Australians Thursday 22 January 2026 Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says she has a very heavy heart over the dissolution of the Liberal-National coalition but commits to Mallee being heard loud and clear in Canberra and across the nation. “Take, for instance, Thursday –…
DetailsFederal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he will continue to serve the interests of regional Australians after resigning from the Coalition Shadow Ministry. Mr Chester told Opposition Leader Sussan Ley it was with ‘a heavy heart’ that he resigned from the position of Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs after The Nationals voted against the…
DetailsStalled construction of a pedestrian underpass connecting Kosciuszko Street and Bank Street in Traralgon has drawn criticism from The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron. As part of the Allan Labor Government’s promised Kosciuszko Street and Bank Street improvement works, an underpass beneath the Gippsland Rail Line was meant to be completed in 2023. “This…
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