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Latrobe Valley businesses suffer as government refuses full-time office return, says Nationals' Member Martin Cameron

Despite claims to the contrary, the Allan Labor government is pushing forward with regional health service mergers into five networks, creating more bureaucracy and impacting local care, says Martin Cameron.

By news@gippsland - 6th August 2024 - Back to News

The Latrobe Valley small business community has been let down again by the Allan Labor government's refusal to send public servants back to the office full-time, according to The Nationals' Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron. Mr Cameron, who is also the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, said small businesses in the Morwell CBD were doing it particularly tough under the state government's work from home policy that has been in place since 2021.

The immense pressure this will place on services and staff at LRH is unconscionable, and more importantly, this will undoubtedly lead to poorer patient outcomes, says Martin Cameron

Labor's economic failures

Mr Cameron said, "Some businesses have survived the closure of Hazelwood, Covid lockdowns, and skyrocketing operational costs by the skin of their teeth. Throw in high WorkCover premiums, new and increased taxes, and Labor's shock cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, and it's no surprise that businesses in regional Victoria are struggling."

"The Morwell CBD is a public service hotspot, so with the majority of the town's weekday customer base working from home, it's becoming unviable for small businesses to keep the doors open. When Labor opened the Latrobe Valley GovHub in 2021, it promised the 200 public sector jobs at the office would provide a $15 million boost to the local economy."

"But fast-forward three years and the GovHub is virtually empty, and this has directly contributed to the closure of its onsite cafe - a social enterprise set-up to benefit the local Neighbourhood House. Jacinta Allan needs to follow the lead of the New South Wales government, listen to small businesses, and help revive the economy by sending public servants back to the office. Labor can't manage money, can't manage business, and small business owners are paying the price," Mr Cameron said.

Pictures from Martin Cameron MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  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.
• Gippsland Water storage levels remain strong despite below-average spring rainfall forecast, with no supply shortages expected across the region
  Gippsland Water says strong storage levels will support customer demand through spring despite below-average rainfall forecasts, with no shortages expected. Customers are reminded to follow Victoria’s permanent water-saving rules.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• 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.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.
• Gippsland students impress Darren Chester with their understanding of Australian democracy and government
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised St Mary’s Primary School Maffra students for their strong understanding of Australian democracy, Parliament and government during a recent civics visit and discussion.
• 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.
• Labor announces four new regional early learning centres for 2029, expanding access to kindergarten and long daycare places
  Labor will open four new Early Learning Victoria centres in Alexandra, Drouin, Hamilton and Seymour from 2029, providing more than 400 childcare and kindergarten places across regional Victoria.
• East Gippsland Agriculture Tour showcases innovation, resilience and collaboration across the region's diverse farming sector
  ASAC members toured East Gippsland agricultural businesses, exploring sustainable farming, weed management, technology and dairy practices while strengthening industry connections and informing future regional agricultural priorities.
• Foster CFA volunteers await new station funding despite site and lease arrangements already being in place
  Foster CFA volunteers continue waiting for a new station, with a site and long-term lease secured. Danny O’Brien is calling for government funding to begin construction.
• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• 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.
• 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.