Essential palliative care services are being underfunded across Northern Victoria, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has told Parliament. Palliative Care supports patients, families and their carers – not just managing symptoms and pain relief for those who are terminally ill, but providing nursing support and advice, and assistance with equipment, respite, and…
DetailsDear Editor, As we head into one of the most dangerous fire seasons in years, a new report has confirmed serious staffing shortages across the CFA, including Gippsland. The Fire Services Implementation Monitor’s 2024–25 Annual Report makes clear that vacancies, fatigue and a lack of senior operational staff are now entrenched. Local brigades have been…
DetailsThe Allan Labor Government is facing scrutiny over how its overhaul of Protective Services Officer (PSO) deployment will protect regional commuters, as new data shows a sharp rise in crime across Gippsland’s public transport network. Latest figures from the Crime Statistics Agency reveal that criminal incidents on and around public transport in the six Gippsland…
DetailsThe Allan Labor Government has been accused of severely cutting back on work given to contractors engaged in fire mitigation in East Gippsland. Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the contractors who rely on this work for their income, had also been misled by the Environment Minister, Steve Diomopoulos. Mr Bull told…
DetailsMore support is urgently needed for farmers suffering devastating wild dog attacks, Nationals Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, told State Parliament. Mr Bull said the scale of losses locally is untenable, quoting an email he received only days ago: “Hi Tim, this is getting very frustrating for us. Between us and our local…
DetailsShadow Minister for Regional Communications and Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says she hopes the Albanese Labor Government’s latest funding initiative genuinely helps regional media. Today Communications Minister Anika Wells launched the Journalism Assistance Fund (JAF), offering a potential $13,000 per annum for a full-time equivalent journalist for three years working in a local…
DetailsShadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says Friday afternoon’s quiet shelving of Labor’s proposed default speed limit reduction is a victory for Coalition advocacy and common sense. The Albanese Labor Government was consulting on slashing the default limit from 100 kilometres an hour to as…
DetailsMember for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said there should be consequences after revelations the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) unpopular new website cost millions of dollars more than previously thought, with the actual cost at $96 million. Dr Webster said the sheer waste of money requires a review. “It is unbelievable a private consultancy was paid…
DetailsThe Albanese Government has been forced to withdraw legislation that would undermine the integrity of the defence honours and awards appeals system after failing to consult with veterans and Australian Defence Force personnel. Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the government should abandon the mean-spirited Bill completely after the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence…
DetailsThis week marks 12 months to go until Victorians have a clear choice – a choice between a Labor government that ignores regional Victorians, or a government with The Nationals who will always fight for our fair share. A Labor Government that only invests 12 per cent of its infrastructure spend in regional Victoria.…
DetailsFederal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging eligible young athletes across the region to apply for Round Three of the 2025–26 Local Sporting Champions grant program, which provides financial support to help junior sportspeople compete at elite levels. Mr Chester said the program plays an important role in helping Gippsland’s emerging athletes pursue their goals…
DetailsFederal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has paid tribute to the region’s farmers, producers and agricultural workers as part of National Agriculture Day, recognising their vital role in sustaining local communities and contributing to Australia’s food security. Mr Chester said agriculture remained fundamental to Gippsland’s identity, economy and way of life, with the region renowned…
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