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Irresponsibility and dishonesty with Victorian taxpayer money in $2M debt to MyEnvironment activists by Andrews Labor government

The Andrews Labor government's irresponsibility with Victorian taxpayers' money has been exposed after it refused to pursue a $2 million debt from environmental activists.

By news@gippsland - 7th September 2022 - Back to News

In February this year, former Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas wrote to VicForests to discourage it from taking legal action to recover court costs from MyEnvironment activists. At the time, Ms Thomas said no direction was given to VicForests. But after repeated attempts to block the public from seeing the letter, the government caved last week.

'The former minister said it was contrary to public interest - I believe refusing to recover $2 million of taxpayers' money is definitely in the public interest,' says Mr Walsh

Caught by own words

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the letter reveals Labor's level of dishonesty. "Mary-Anne Thomas has been caught out by her own words, and it shows just what the Andrews Labor government is willing to do for their inner-city votes."

"Labor has put its own interests ahead of the Victorian taxpayer in a letter that contains false advice not to pursue the debt based on the government's own guidelines. It's behaviour symptomatic of the government and how they treat transparency." Mr Walsh said.

Mr Walsh said despite repeated attempts through the Freedom of Information Act to release the letter, it took the threat of VCAT to get the government to be honest with Victorians.

Pictures of Friends of Earth Australia website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• Melina Bath denounces Allan government’s $13M machete amnesty as wasteful, ineffective stunt
  Melina Bath slammed the Allan government’s $13 million machete amnesty as wasteful, ineffective, and politically motivated, criticising costly bins, media stunts, and lack of real impact on knife crime.
• Melina Bath criticises Allan government over poor safety ratings on Eastern Victoria roads
  Melina Bath criticises Allan government after AusRAP reveals most eastern Victoria roads rated one or two stars, highlighting neglect, poor maintenance, and increased risk of serious injury or fatalities.
• Tim Bull criticises sudden last-minute VLine reductions from six to three carriages, causing tension due to limited rolling stock
  Victorian country train passengers are forced to stand up to four hours after last-minute carriage cuts, with MP Tim Bull urging PSOs and additional services to protect booked seating.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing and socially affordable homes, warns Cr Nathan Hersey
  One Gippsland warns Gippsland’s growth risks stalling without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, and social housing to support workforce, industries, and rapidly growing communities across the region.
• Michelle Garvan of Lakes Entrance honoured with national medals for outstanding dedication and service to community safety
  Six Victorian lifesavers have been awarded National Medals, recognising 15-25 years of dedicated volunteer service protecting the community and ensuring public safety in Australian waterways.
• Life Saving Victoria urges vigilance over Easter holidays after record drowning deaths last year
  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to stay alert over Easter holidays, urging safety at beaches, pools, and waterways after last year’s record 13 drowning deaths nationwide.