The Andrews Labor Government needs to lift its game to prepare for the coming fire season, Member for Euroa and Nationals deputy leader, Steph Ryan has warned. In a scathing report released last week, the Victorian Auditor-General found Labor had monumentally failed to meet its prescribed burning targets. Ms Ryan also raised concerns about long…
The State Government is being asked to put the duplication of the South Gippsland Highway from Lang Lang to Leongatha on the infrastructure agenda. Speaking in State Parliament, The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien asked the Minister for Transport Infrastructure to clarify the long-term plans for the eventual duplication of the South…
Today’s release of the revised business case for the Murray Basin Rail Project confirms the Andrews Labor Government never intended to complete the transformation of Victoria’s freight rail network. Instead of completing the once-in-a-generation project, Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan has opted to leave the project barely half finished, only funding the patch up of…
The Victorian Auditor General’s long-awaited report into Reducing Bushfire Risk released today, reveals the Andrews Labor Government has over the past four years not even reached half (43%) of its arguably already low fuel reduction burn target. Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the independent report showed what most East Gippslanders knew, not…
The Agriculture Minister’s recent hollow announcements around timber plantations does nothing for security of the local industry, says Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull. “When you have the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining And Energy Union (CFMMEU), slamming a Labor policy, it’s a fair indication it is seriously flawed. “The CFMMEU says the policy…
Daniel Andrews has been forced to back down on his extraordinary power grab which would have seen ordinary Victorians given the power to detain fellow citizens on the basis they might not follow a public health directive. Member for Euroa and The Nationals deputy leader Steph Ryan said Labor’s decision to amend their legislation was…
Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy continues to advocate for Ovens Valley towns that remain left out of the border bubble. Mr McCurdy said each week that went by hurt the local communities who remained excluded from the expanded permit zone. “There are businesses desperately trying to get back on their feet…
The Nationals are calling on the Andrews Government to provide financial support for Victoria’s 120 field days and agriculture shows held across regional Victoria each year. One million dollars in grant money over two years is being sought by Victorian Agriculture Shows (VAS) to keep the rural tradition of agriculture shows alive. Leader of the…
Producers and transport stakeholders in north-west Victoria deserve the truth on how the Andrews Labor Government will revive the stalled Murray Basin Rail Project. Labor shelved the project after Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan squandered the $440 million that was earmarked to deliver it – in full – on cost overruns, inferior rail track…
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath is calling for regional restrictions to be eased with the commencement of the new school term so Gippsland can back in business. Ms Bath said with schools returning to onsite learning next week and low case numbers in regional Victoria, it’s time for the Premier removed…
Wineries with cellar doors have been excluded from the third round of business assistance announced by the Andrews Labor Government. The program, which promises support to hospitality and retailers, does not include wineries whose business relies heavily on cellar door sales. Member for Euroa and deputy leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan has…
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien has called on the Andrews Labor Government to ensure a fair share for Gippsland South Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigades in the upcoming state budget. Mr O’Brien said the state government had made a commitment back in May to invest a share of more than $100 million…