Labor’s cuts to inspections, compliance and Fisheries Officers have left Victoria’s waterways vulnerable to poaching, criminal activity and environmental degradation. The Victoria Fisheries Authority’s annual report reveals that the Allan Government scaled back inspections and compliance prior to cutting Fisheries Officer positions in May. In 2024/25, recreational angler licences and catch limit inspections fell by…
DetailsThe tabling of annual reports in state parliament has shown seven of Gippsland’s public hospitals are operating in deficit, raising further questions on the Allan Labor Government’s ability to manage money and regional health care. The Nationals’ Melina Bath said local public hospitals operating in the red is a deeply concerning fiscal trend that has…
DetailsVictorian motorists are facing worsening road conditions even as major road contractors are forced to offload workers and close depots across the state. Boral has this week announced redundancies within its roadworks division, the closure of depots at North Geelong and Lysterfield, and the mothballing of sites in Bendigo and Geelong, citing “poor market…
DetailsThe parliamentary inquiry into wildlife roadstrike in Victoria has been tabled in Parliament this week. The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said the inquiry was timely as wildlife roadstrike is a huge issue in regional Victoria. “We know that there have been over 10,000 accidents or collisions, and many, many more are unreported,” Ms…
DetailsThe Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has lashed the Allan Labor Government for blocking attempts by the opposition in state parliament to halt the knife crime crisis in Victoria with the introduction of Jack’s Law. The Coalition has pledged to introduce Jack’s Law if elected next year. Jack’s Law gives police the powers and…
DetailsThe fire season is already upon us and too many Victorians are understandably uneasy in how unprepared our state has become. 350 Forest Fire Management Victoria trucks are still offline, with no clear explanation from the Allan Labor Government on when they’ll be back in service. Worryingly, Victoria is borrowing old, decommissioned trucks…
DetailsVictoria has entered one of its most dangerous fire seasons in years, yet a new report has revealed serious and ongoing staffing shortfalls in the Country Fire Authority. The Fire Services Implementation Monitor’s 2024–25 Annual Report, tabled in Parliament, makes clear that chronic vacancies and insufficient relief are now entrenched across key operational roles…
DetailsFederal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says employees at a Yarram sawmill are owed an explanation from senior management after losing their jobs without warning. Mr Chester said the loss of more than 70 direct jobs was devastating for the community, with the flow-on impact likely to result in economic hardship for dozens of families.…
DetailsThe Nationals congratulate Jess Wilson on becoming the Leader of the Opposition. We look forward to working with Jess, who has already demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of Victorians with her sharp mind, a great grasp of policy, and commitment to holding the Allan Labor Government to account. I look…
DetailsMallacoota residents requiring respite care can now access high-quality support close to home with the opening of the new purpose-built Mallacoota Respite Care Centre, delivered by Mallacoota District Health and Support Service (MDHSS). The facility has been designed to help residents returning from hospital after surgery or undergoing treatment recover in a safe, home-like environment,…
DetailsThe Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says this morning’s sudden announcement that AKD’s Yarram timber mill will close immediately costing 73 local people their jobs is a devastating blow. Mr O’Brien said the announcement was a shock and massive hit for Yarram and the surrounding district. “Seventy-three jobs lost in a town the…
DetailsMember for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said the Coalition’s joint agreement to drop net zero will help Mallee households and businesses achieve cheaper, better and fairer energy and a way to lower emissions. Dr Webster said she was pleased the Coalition had reached a principled position, working together in a pragmatic, consultative and respectful way…
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