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Despite business struggles recovering from pandemic Andrews Labor government budget cuts more from regional development funding

The 2022-23 state budget confirmed Labor's funding strip from the regional development fund.

By news@gippsland - 20th May 2022 - Back to News

The 2022-23 state budget confirmed Labor will strip more funding from regional development which will take the total cuts to $363 million since 2020-21 (from $539.2 million in 2020-21 down to $176.2 million in 2022-23) (BP3, p249). Appearing at Parliament's Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) on Thursday, Minister Mary-Anne Thomas arrogantly claimed Victorians "would not expect" COVID support programs to continue this year.

The Andrews Labor government admitted there's "less funding allocated" to regional development in this year's state budget despite many country businesses still struggling to recover from the pandemic

Explaining funding cuts

Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said it was not the right time to pull support from regional communities, particularly for those towns that had recorded few COVID cases but still had to close down and turn away business during lockdowns.

"Country Victorians did what we had to during the pandemic to keep vulnerable people in our community safe, but we're getting nothing in return from the Andrews Labor government. Pressed at Thursday's hearing to explain the funding cuts, the Minister flippantly claimed Victorians "would not expect the government to continue stimulus investments". Mr Walsh said.

Only a change in government

Mr Walsh slammed the minister's callous response which came as hospitality businesses report they still can't re-open full time because they can't get enough staff. "The city-centric Labor government has no idea the devastating impact its snap lockdowns and the uncertainty of yo-yoing in and out of restrictions has been for regional Victoria," Mr Walsh said.

"This attitude of 'it's all good, Victoria's recovered' shows city-centric Labor really doesn't care about fulfilling its responsibility to support country communities to recover and rebuild. Only a change in government in November will make sure the agenda isn't just about Melbourne and that all of Victoria, including our regional communities, get a fair share." Mr Walsh said.

Pictures from Harriet Shing MP Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• Wedge Performing Arts Centre in Sale to undergo $3.4M redevelopment enhancing accessibility, creativity, and engagement
  The Wedge Performing Arts Centre in Sale will undergo a $3.4 million redevelopment, improving accessibility, artistic spaces, technical facilities, and community engagement, ensuring it remains a vibrant regional cultural hub.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
  Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
  Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region.