Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Melina Bath slams Labor's drought support as "Inadequate, Insulting" and burdened by emergency services taxThe Nationals' Melina Bath slammed Labor's drought package as inadequate, criticising high costs and exclusion, while highlighting rising taxes burdening farmers amid worsening conditions and a lack of real support. By news@gippsland - 16th May 2025 - Back to News The Nationals' Melina Bath has labelled the Allan Labor government's drought support package 'inadequate and insulting'. "This quasi support package is what regional people have come to expect from tone deaf Labor," said Ms Bath. 
Melina Bath slammed Labor's drought package as 'inadequate' offering less support than SA and hitting farmers with soaring new taxes Drought support failsMs Bath said, "Labor has categorically failed to deliver needed assistance for feed, fodder, and water to help keep livestock alive and reduce destocking. Instead of delivering genuine drought support, Labor has window dressed a dollar-for-dollar grant scheme that cash strapped farmers must outlay thousands to access." "While farmers in Bass Coast, South Gippsland and Baw Baw Shire are finally included, the package is $60 million less than South Australia government's in comparison. It will do little for our struggling primary producers as drought-like conditions prevail." "This follows Labor doing another dirty deal with the Greens to pass its $2.1 billion Emergency Services tax which will increase the tax burden on primary producers by 150 percent and householders, business and rental providers by 100 percent," said Ms Bath. Pictures from Melina Bath MP Instagram page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Melina Bath says boating licence revenue should fund ramps, parking, dredging and safety, supporting Victorian boating and fishing communities
Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to protect the Better Boating Fund, which delivered $130 million in four years, supporting boating facilities, waterway safety, recreational fishing and regional jobs. - Melina Bath announces $53.6M boost to patient travel assistance for regional Victorians under Nationals-Liberal government
Melina Bath says a proposed $53.6 million boost to Victoria’s patient transport assistance would increase accommodation and travel reimbursements, easing healthcare costs for regional patients travelling long distances for specialist treatment. - Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment. - Melina Bath condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, with Victoria recording nearly twice New South Wales' victims
Melina Bath has condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, citing Victoria's high theft rate and major increases across eastern Victoria, while calling for more police, stronger bail laws and tougher sentencing. - Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities. - Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns. - Melina Bath accuses Labor of failing to curb illicit tobacco crime and escalating violence across regional Victoria
The Nationals have criticised Labor over ongoing illicit tobacco crime, citing alleged abductions, violence, intimidation and suspected illegal stores, while questioning Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme effectiveness. - Melina Bath accused Labor of ignoring bird flu advice and delaying vaccinations for Victoria's vulnerable little penguin colonies
The Victorian government is accused of ignoring expert advice to proactively vaccinate little penguins against H5N1, delaying action until after infection was detected, potentially leaving colonies vulnerable. - Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief. - Regional ambulance response times deteriorate across Eastern Victoria under Labor, Melina Bath demands answers from Carroll government
Melina Bath has criticised deteriorating ambulance response times across eastern Victoria, saying every local government area is worse than 12 years ago and calling on Labor to restore timely emergency care. - Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities. - The Nationals unveil Tradie Support Plan for Eastern Victoria, targeting skills shortages, apprenticeship costs and toll expenses
The Nationals have announced a tradie support plan featuring apprentice training subsidies, 10 technical colleges for 5,000 students, and a $50 weekly toll cap, aiming to address skills shortages and support eastern Victoria businesses. - Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028. - South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs. - Coalition seeks crossbench support to scrap Labor’s forestry carbon credit method
The Coalition is urging crossbench Senators to reject Labor’s Improved Native Forest Management carbon credit method, warning it overstates emissions savings, threatens forestry jobs and reduces timber supply. - The Nationals pledge $10M boost for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, supporting community hubs facing rising demand and cost pressures
The Nationals have pledged $10 million over four years for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, including $4 million for existing services and $6 million to establish and expand hubs in growing regions. - Gippsland Water offers face-to-face bill support through September pop-ups across Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin
Gippsland Water will host September pop-ups across the region, offering customers face-to-face help with bills, payment plans, concessions and government assistance amid cost-of-living pressures, with events in Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin. - Matt Canavan slams Farrell's EU trade deal as farmers face unfair competition and restricted market access
Matt Canavan criticised Labor's EU free trade deal, accusing it of disadvantageous to Australian farmers through quotas, tariffs, subsidies and inadequate market access, while urging renegotiation. - Better Place Australia opens new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland amid rising community needs
Better Place Australia has opened a new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland, addressing challenges including family separation, violence, financial stress and child vulnerability. - Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives. - Darren Chester slams Victorian Labor over five-year delay in critical Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade despite federal funding
Darren Chester has slammed Victoria's Labor Government over the stalled Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade, despite $10m federal funding committed in 2021, saying Gippsland communities have waited five years for promised safety improvements. - Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding. - Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi. - Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30. - Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours. - East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council has supported flood-affected residents and businesses through assessments, referrals and waste assistance following October’s severe rainfall, coordinating with emergency services, volunteers and agencies. - Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028. - The Nationals promise apprenticeship training cost cuts, new technical colleges and toll relief to support Gippsland tradies and businesses
The Nationals propose a $115 million apprenticeship fund, 10 new technical colleges for 5,000 students, and a $50 weekly toll cap to reduce costs, support Gippsland tradies and strengthen regional businesses - Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces. - Baw Baw Shire Council wins Resilient Australia Award for inclusive emergency preparedness initiative supporting vulnerable communities
Baw Baw Shire Council won a Resilient Australia Award for its inclusive emergency preparedness initiative, helping vulnerable residents and children build digital skills, resilience and readiness for future disasters. - Liberals and Nationals pledge forest restoration, fuel reduction, bushfire preparedness and regional job support across Victoria
The Liberals and Nationals propose restoring active forest management, doubling planned burns, treating more public land, expanding firebreaks and restoring 5,000 hectares annually to reduce bushfire risks and support regional timber jobs. - Latrobe Housing Summit explores collaborative solutions to meet growing regional housing demand and support future economic development
Latrobe City Council’s Housing Summit brought together government, industry and community leaders to address rising housing demand, improve affordability and develop solutions supporting regional growth, investment and population increases. - East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises. - Wellington Shire Council retains three-bin waste system as landfill waste falls, delivering savings and supporting long-term waste management
Wellington Shire Council will retain its three-bin kerbside waste service after landfill waste fell more than 40 per cent, reducing disposal costs and supporting lower household waste charges. - The Nationals slam Labor's secret public transport tax funding costly suburban rail loop as regional Victorians bear the burden
The Nationals accuse Victoria's Labor government of secretly taxing public transport users $8 billion to fund the Suburban Rail Loop, while regional communities receive disproportionately less infrastructure funding. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities. - Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing. - East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion. - Willow Grove recreation reserve secures $360,000 lighting upgrade to improve safety and support local sport
Willow Grove Recreation Reserve will receive a $360,000 lighting upgrade by 2028, improving safety, supporting local sporting clubs, expanding female football opportunities and assisting emergency services during critical events. - Nationals and Liberals propose $115M apprenticeship fund to help small businesses cut training costs, address skills shortages and create local jobs
The Nationals and Liberals have announced a proposed $115 million apprenticeship fund to cover 50 per cent of eligible training costs, supporting small businesses, and creating more local career opportunities for Gippsland youth. - Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support. - East Gippsland Council welcomes Nationals’ pledge for new Lakes Entrance CFA Station after years of advocacy for improved emergency services
East Gippsland Council has welcomed The Nationals’ pledge for a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, addressing outdated facilities, improving emergency response capabilities and supporting volunteer firefighters after more than 20 years of advocacy. - Darren Chester joined Traralgon Rotary volunteers and State MPs to prepare 500 sandwiches for Eat Up Australia’s school lunch program
Darren Chester joined Traralgon Rotary volunteers and MPs Marty Cameron and Melina Bath to prepare 500 sandwiches for Eat Up Australia, providing free school lunches to disadvantaged children across Gippsland. - The Nationals warn visa delays threaten harvest workforce, food supply and regional farmers already facing mounting pressures
The Nationals warn visa delays are threatening critical harvest and agricultural workforces, urging Labor to provide certainty, faster approvals and migration settings supporting farmers, regional communities and food supply. - Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres. - Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment. - The Nationals criticise deteriorating Princes Highway as potholes raise safety concerns in Traralgon East
The Nationals have criticised the deteriorating Princes Highway at Traralgon East, citing 85 potholes between Traralgon and Rosedale and road damage less than 18 months after duplication. - Nationals introduced Bill to protect Victoria's agricultural land from poorly planned development and improve food security
The Nationals introduced a Victorian bill to protect agricultural land from poor development, recognising farming's $22 billion contribution and supporting long-term food security. - The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families. - Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services. - Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety. - East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra. - The Nationals and farm groups warn EPBC changes create uncertainty for farmers and land management
Nationals leader Matt Canavan met with farm groups over concerns Labor’s EPBC changes could create uncertainty and regulatory risks. Industry wants amendments, clearer guidance, mapping, support tools and independent review. - Nationals and Liberals unveil $40M plan to strengthen Gippsland's regional health workforce and services
The Nationals and Liberals propose a $40 million rural health workforce scheme, offering incentives up to $10,000 for relocation and accommodation to attract healthcare professionals to regional Victoria. - Hazelwood North CFA to receive long-awaited new station under Nationals and Liberals' Latrobe Valley infrastructure commitment
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged a new three-bay Hazelwood North CFA station, replacing inadequate facilities and supporting volunteers through increased regional infrastructure funding. - Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record. - The Nationals pledge to keep Victoria's coal-fired power stations operating amid growing electricity supply concerns
The Nationals' Martin Cameron has pledged existing Victorian coal-fired power stations will not close early, warning of electricity shortages, higher prices and job losses while advocating firm generation and gas investment. - Nationals and Liberals pledge $5M Traralgon Tennis Centre upgrade to secure major international events and regional economic benefits
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged $5 million to upgrade Traralgon Tennis Centre, aiming to secure the Junior International and attract major events benefiting the Latrobe Valley economy. - Nationals and Liberals pledge PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, mobile CCTV trailers and 24-Hour Moe Police Station reopening
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, mobile CCTV across the Latrobe Valley, and restoring Moe Police Station to 24-hour operations under their community safety plan. - Nationals and Liberals pledge 10 new technical colleges, delivering hands-on training for 5,000 Victorian students
The Nationals and Liberals plan 10 new Technical Colleges across Victoria, providing 5,000 secondary students with hands-on vocational training and pathways into in-demand careers, including a new college in Gippsland. - The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis. - The Nationals Leader questions Labor’s environment rules, asking whether cows grazing could trigger land clearing laws for farmers
Nationals Leader Matt Canavan is demanding clarity on Labor’s environment rules, questioning whether cattle grazing could trigger land clearing regulations and create legal uncertainty for farmers. - The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development. - The Nationals and Liberals promise tougher sentencing, specialist criminal appeal court, greater transparency for Victorians
The Nationals and Liberals pledge tougher sentencing, a specialist Criminal Appeal Court and greater transparency, including Children’s Court data, to restore confidence, strengthen accountability and address Victoria’s crime crisis. - The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses. - Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets. - Liberals and Nationals to audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to unlock land for housing and industrial development
The Liberals and Nationals will audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to identify outdated restrictions, potentially unlocking land for housing and industrial development while retaining protections where mine safety and ground stability remain at risk. - Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and target five percent annual public land fuel reduction
The Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and work towards treating five per cent of public land annually, alongside cultural burning, improved transparency and targeted fuel reduction to strengthen bushfire preparedness. - Liberal Nationals introduce bill to repeal Labor's firearms laws and abolish national gun buyback scheme
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has introduced a Bill, seconded by Andrew Wilcox, to repeal Labor’s firearms laws, restore previous Commonwealth regulations and abolish the stalled National Gun Buyback Scheme. - Gippsland community groups share $60,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants to strengthen local organisations and support volunteers
Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities. - Gippsland families face rising cost pressures as Nationals criticise Labor government over interest rates, spending and inflation
The Nationals say rising interest rates are increasing pressure on Gippsland families, criticising Labor’s spending and inflation while outlining plans for budget discipline, tax cuts and productivity. - Gippsland Water upgrades Buckley's Hill basin to boost industrial reliability and strengthen emergency water supply resilience
Gippsland Water has upgraded Morwell Buckley's Hill raw water basin, improving water reliability for industry, supporting the energy sector, and providing an emergency backup water source for residential customers during supply disruptions. - East Gippsland Council adopts 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure investment, community services and financial sustainability
East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit. - Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers. - East Gippsland Council welcomes Coalition’s $120M pledge for new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department and expanded patient capacity
East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Coalition’s $120 million pledge for Bairnsdale Hospital’s new emergency department, which will expand treatment spaces, ambulance bays and hospital beds to meet growing healthcare demand. - Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions. - Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding. - State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection. - Seacombe fire prompts calls for greater fuel reduction, improved firebreaks and stronger emergency access around Loch Sport communities
The Seacombe fire has prompted calls for increased fuel reduction, improved firebreaks and emergency access, with Loch Sport residents seeking stronger bushfire prevention measures.
|
|
