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Labor caught ripping off regional Victoria againJaala Pulford has been caught trying to rip hundreds of millions of dollars out of regional Victorian projects. By news@gippsland - 16th May 2016 - Back to News Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford has been caught trying to rip hundreds of millions of dollars out of regional Victorian projects.
Under questioning from the Liberal-Nationals during a Parliamentary hearing today, Minister Pulford refused to confirm that more than $200 million from the sale of Rural Finance has been spent in regional Victoria as promised.
Rural Finance was sold in 2014 for around $460 million. The Liberal-Nationals provided $220 million of that money to Murray-Basin Rail, leaving around $240 million earmarked for other regional projects.
But today in a Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearing Minister Pulford deliberately refused to identify a single other regional project that had been funded using the Rural Finance proceeds.
She also failed to clarify whether Labor’s $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund was in addition to 10 per cent of Port of Melbourne sale proceeds secured by the Liberal-Nationals for regional transport projects.
It follows months of confusion where the Andrews Government has suggested its $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund would come out of the 10 per cent.
This would mean regional Victoria would get around $700 million from the Port of Melbourne sale instead of approximately $900 million in combined funding it’s been promised.
Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said these were shameful attempts by the Andrews Labor Government to dud rural and regional Victoria out of money.
"The Andrews Government takes country Victorians for mugs if it thinks we won’t notice being ripped off hundreds of millions of dollars," Mr Walsh said.
"This city-centric government will take every opportunity to dud rural and regional Victoria out of money, so they can pay for their billion-dollar promises in Melbourne.
"It’s time for Jaala Pulford to come clean and explain Labor’s plans for this regional funding.
"The sad fact is that the further you live from Melbourne the less you get from the Andrews Labor Government."
Media contact:Sarah O’Connor 0432 074 888 sarah.oconnor@opposition.vic.gov.au
Leader of The Nationals
Deputy Leader of the Coalition
Shadow Minister of Agriculture
Shadow Minister of Water
State Member for Murray Plains
Peter Walsh MP
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage. - Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions. - Future of Orbost Project strengthens water access, supporting agricultural innovation and long-term regional growth
The Future of Orbost Project supports farmers by clarifying water availability, facilitating licence transfers, and building resilience, driving innovation, productivity, diversification, and sustainable long-term growth in East Gippsland. - Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action. - Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
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