Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Russell Broadbent MP

Russell Broadbent says we need a smart Australia

An opportunity for the government to move forward, set new vision for the more hopeful and self-resilient Australia.

By news@gippsland - 10th June 2021 - Back to News

In times of hardship, I always try to look for a silver lining. So, at the height of the COVID crisis last year, I was optimistic that the pandemic could offer a rare and much-needed opportunity for the nation to take stock and set a new vision for our future.

The pandemic could offer a rare and much-needed opportunity for the nation move forward to become a more hopeful and self-resilient Australia

Moving forward

One that offered a more equitable, compassionate and healthy way of life. Rather than going back to so called ‘normal’, why aren’t we looking forward to becoming a more hopeful, self-reliant and re-invigorated Australia?

Smart and compassionate thinking

The role of government, especially in times of crisis, is to set a vision. This requires smart, critical and compassionate thinking. But I don’t see much of that clever thinking at the moment. One of my constituents asked: ‘Why do we have to be the dumb country?’ Regardless of whether we need a big Australia or a sustainable Australia, we definitely need to be a smart Australia.

Time to build skills and capacity

Take, for example, our reliance on migrants to do a lot of the work that people born in Australia are resistant to, such as roles in aged care. Now is the time for Australia to build skills and capacity across sectors such as aged care that have been heavily reliant on unskilled or semi-skilled migrants for the past 10-15 years. Surely the COVID-crisis taught us that these frontline workers are our most valuable and important asset?

We need to provide appropriate remuneration to attract and retain workers who are valued, and know they are valued. They are given the responsibility of looking after treasured family members, and we should acknowledge their valuable service with decent wages and conditions. That’s just as I see it.

Pictures from Russell Broadbent MP web page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• 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.
• Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
  Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety.
• Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
  The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs.
• Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
  Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• 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.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
  The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
  Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
  Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy.