The Federal Government’s refusal to implement strict new biosecurity measures to stop foot and mouth disease (FMD) breaching Australia’s borders risks decimating Victorian agriculture. Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is in Jakarta today to meet with authorities on the FMD outbreak in Indonesia. But Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh…
DetailsDear Editor, Farming plays a huge role in the Gippsland economy and is an essential part of our local communities – but it also presents dangers every day. The theme for this year’s National Farm Safety Week, which will be acknowledged 18-24 July 2022, is ‘Recipe for Averting Disaster’. Farmsafe Australia will be heading a…
DetailsThe Andrews Labor Government’s fooling no-one today with an outrageous claim it’s made Victoria’s freight rail “safer, faster and easier” to get Victorian food and fibre to port. Misguided Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne made the statement in a press release today, coming as the Labor Government has botched the Murray Basin Rail…
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The Victorian Nationals’ party room has today selected Member for Lowan Emma Kealy as our new Deputy Leader. A special meeting was held this evening following the resignation of Member for Euroa Steph Ryan on Wednesday last week. Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh congratulated Ms Kealy on her selection, adding the new leadership team…
DetailsMental health programs designed to support Victorians through COVID isolation and uncertainty have been axed, despite last week’s three-month extension to pandemic declaration powers. It’s been revealed today Kids Helpline is among more than 15 organisations offering COVID recovery mental health support programs to be hit by $59.4 million in Andrews Labor Government funding cuts.…
DetailsDear Editor, A boost to the regional tourism economy is just one of a swag of benefits for country Victorians ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2026. With the date now set for a March 17 opening ceremony, we must not waste any time planning the work that must be done to make sure our…
DetailsAn expert panel established to review the resilience of Victoria’s electricity distribution network has called for distribution businesses such as AusNet to improve communication with customers and better prioritise the restoration of power following an outage. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien who last year called on the Andrews Labor Government to…
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Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy spoke again in Parliament calling for the Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Economy to immediately reinstate the funding for Wangaratta Digital Hub. In Parliament Mr McCurdy said, “The Women’s Health Goulburn North East has recently written to me requesting that funding be reinstated after the…
DetailsThe nation’s largest mental health worker recruitment drive is needed to arrest “heightened levels of anxiety and mood distress” in young Victorians, as data today reveals an alarming spike in students diagnosed with learning disabilities. Almost 20,000 additional young Victorians were registered with learning difficulties, including ADHD or depression, during the time of Labor’s six…
DetailsNationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy spoke in Parliament on the Inquiry into tackling climate change by calling for the Victorian Government to reduce electric car costs and introduce an electric vehicle switch to the commercial business industry. In Parliament Mr McCurdy said, “Although the Inquiry into Electric Vehicles made no recommendations, it…
DetailsSteph Ryan has been a driving force for positive change for regional Victorians during her time as the Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals. She’s advised me today she will not seek re-election for Euroa at the 2022 Victorian State Election in November. I know this is not a decision she’s come…
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After a great deal of reflection, I have decided to step down as the Member for Euroa at the coming State Election. With a little one at home and another on the way, it is time for me to seek a job that offers greater flexibility. Serving my community as the first member for Euroa…
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