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Nationals committed to regional pharmacy access and fair healthcare by calling for leadership and action

The Nationals support for healthcare heroes and rural pharmacies, calling for fairness and leadership in government needs urgent action.

By news@gippsland - 4th September 2023 - Back to News

Thank you. I want to thank you, the heroes of the pandemic. The men and women who stayed in our communities and now are being discarded by this government because it's politically expedient and saves them money. What sort of government does that to the health professionals that got us through one of the biggest challenges this country has ever faced since the Second World War.

Government must assume the role of Prime Minister, supersede Butler, and personally lead negotiations for resolution by Christmas. The Nationals fully support this effort

Healthcare in Regional Australia

But for The Nationals, let me say this is deeply personal. This is about the viability of healthcare for the men and women and children who live in regional, rural and remote Australia. Over 400 pharmacies are the last line of primary healthcare defence for us.

And this mob wants to rip it away from us where our government, long after the AMA and their friends left us, and we've got no doctors. It is the pharmacists that stuck with us. It's the pharmacists that have stuck in region and rural Australia.

They believe in their communities and deliver to their community in the good and the bad. It's for that reason The Nationals are with you every step of the way.

Fairness in healthcare

Make no mistake, you are not asking for something special. You are asking for a fair go. Our model is our fair go. Do you want cheaper childcare? We didn't ask the childcare centres to pay for it. No. We want cheaper medicines. And we all want cheaper medicines. That's a better way to do it. And listening to you and giving you a seat at the table is a way to do that.

This is about leadership now, real leadership of this government, Butler's not up to it. He should go. It's up to the Prime Minister to show he's got the ticker. He's got the ticker to understand what this will do, not just in the bush but what it will do right across the country. Tearing away the livelihoods of those men and women who have invested in their community, invested in a community pharmacy and employing local people.

And when you've got to tear away at a feminised industry, you've got to ask the question about all the narrative that's come out of this, that it's all spin and no substance. It is time for Anthony Albanese to step up and be Prime Minister. To walk over Butler, get rid of Butler, and take over the negotiations personally and make sure this is done by Christmas. The Nats are with you all the way, we are going over the cliff all the way. We will fix this for you.

Pictures from The Nationals for Regional Australia website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria.
• Melina Bath urges Labor Minister to reinstate Latrobe Valley town bus timetable after changes as commuters report major daily disruptions
  The new Latrobe Valley PTV bus timetable has disrupted access to essential services, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to request reinstating the previous schedule to better serve commuters, students, and vulnerable residents.
• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron launch petition urging action on long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass project
  Darren Chester and Martin Cameron have launched a community petition urging state and federal governments to prioritise funding and design work for the long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass to ease congestion.
• Danny O’Brien says retail theft in Gippsland South has risen over 70 percent recently, threatening local businesses
  Retail theft in Gippsland has soared over 70%, hitting Wellington hardest, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien calling for stronger law enforcement to protect small businesses from rising crime.
• Darren Chester warns Labor-Greens EPBC reforms threaten Gippsland timber industry, jobs, and regional communities
  Darren Chester warns Labor-Greens EPBC reforms threaten Gippsland’s native hardwood and plantation timber industry, risking jobs, regional communities, sustainable forest management, and increasing reliance on imported timber products.
• Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
  Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities.
• Melina Bath says Labor ignores known issues, worsening bushfire risk, blocking access and harming communities
  A Gippsland Forestry Hub report criticises Allan government transport infrastructure failures, warning poor road and bridge conditions undermine bushfire preparedness, restrict access, delay firefighting response and increase risks to communities.
• Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
  Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
  Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra.
• East Gippsland Council reminds pet owners to register cats and dogs to ensure safety, welfare and access to discounts by 10 April 2026
  Pet owners are reminded to register cats and dogs by 10 April. Registration ensures pets’ safety, supports animal welfare, and funds community programs, with discounts available for eligible animals.
• Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
  Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security.
• Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
  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.
• Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action.
• Bass Coast Council seeks community feedback on updated rating strategy ensuring fair property rates distribution
  Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback on its updated Rating Strategy, ensuring fair distribution of rates across property types and considering a pensioner waste rebate before February 2026.
• Baw Baw Council extends Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026 supporting leadership continuity
  Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026, ensuring strong leadership and continuity while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery.
• 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.
• Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
  The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project.
• Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
  Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland.
• One Gippsland urges new major event to replace MotoGP, boosting tourism and regional economy
  One Gippsland urges the 2026 Victorian budget to replace MotoGP with a new major event, boosting tourism, jobs, and economic growth while supporting cultural, nature-based, and renewable energy initiatives.