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Melina Bath criticises the Victorian government budget for cuts, tax hikes and blowouts that will lead to dire economic conditions and record debtMelina Bath of The Nationals condemns the Labor government's state budget for severe cuts, tax increases, and financial mismanagement, leading to record debt and detrimental impacts on Victorians. By news@gippsland - 7th May 2024 - Back to News The Nationals Melina Bath said the Labor government's state budget is defined by cruel cuts, tax hikes and budget blowouts after a decade of chronic mismanagement. Ms Bath described Victoria's economic position as 'dire' with net debt to reach $156 billion this coming financial year - a growing figure that will cost Victorian taxpayers $26 million a day in interest repayments by 2027. 
Melina Bath described Victoria's dire economic state, projecting net debt to hit $156 billion, costing taxpayers $26 million daily in interest repayments by 2027 Budget criticism continuesMs Bath said, "The state's eye watering debt comes despite Labor increasing tax revenue 153 per cent from $17.8 billion to a projected $45 billion over this same period. Under Labor, Victorians are receiving much less, paying much more all while the cost of living for struggling families is spiralling out of control." "In delivering this horror budget the Treasurer shockingly said Labor's cuts to essential services, tax hikes and budget blow outs were "sensible choices". Cruel cuts to health, education, housing, disability, infrastructure, senior programs, community crime prevention, emergency management, roads, waste and recycling, and wellbeing support for students are inappropriate and foolish," she said. Budget blame gameMs Bath added, "Instead of acknowledging Labor's critical failures, the Treasurer chose to deflect and blame "world challenges" - conveniently ignoring the fact no other Australian state is in the appalling financial position Victoria is." "The fact remains Victoria's debt is greater than Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania's combined - a record that is shameful. Labor's frightful mismanagement over the past decade is scandalous and its priorities are wrong - this is a government that does not help families, it hampers them. Today's budget categorically proves Labor can't manage money and Victorians are paying the price," she concluded. Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Geoff Rossetti’s son will lead Sale’s Freedom of Entry march, honouring family legacy and the city’s longstanding Defence connection, with community celebrations continuing at Brennan Park on 19 October. - Martin Cameron condemns Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, pledges action to combat knife crime
Martin Cameron condemned the Allan Labor government for blocking Jack’s Law, pledging to introduce it if elected, giving police powers to combat knife crime, following its success in other Australian states. - Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia. - Baw Baw Shire appoints Sally Jones as acting CEO, leading council during temporary transition period
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Ms Sally Jones as Acting CEO from 6 January to 3 February 2026, supporting leadership during CEO Tilla Buden’s medical leave. - Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures. - Latrobe City events drive tourism, economic growth and community engagement across the region
Latrobe City hosted major sporting and cultural events in 2024 - 25, attracting over 27,000 attendees and generating $23.5 million in economic impact, reinforcing the region's growing reputation as an events hub. - Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities. - Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably. - Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances. - Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration. - David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries. - Danny O'Brien condemns Labor for empty social housing amid growing waitlists and rental shortages in Gippsland
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for leaving social housing vacant as waitlists grow, citing fewer homes, shrinking rental availability, rising costs, and failed policies driving investment away in Gippsland South. - Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads. - Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes. - Latrobe City Council endorses Transition Reserve Policy to drive economic diversification, growth and long-term job creation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Transition Reserve Policy to support economic diversification, fund enabling infrastructure, attract new industries, and allocate future surpluses to drive long-term regional growth and jobs. - Martin Cameron demands Labor guarantee Traralgon PSOs won’t be removed amid redeployment to retail precincts
Martin Cameron has urged the Allan Labor Government to guarantee PSOs won’t be removed from Traralgon, warning redeployment to shopping centres could compromise safety on the region’s already under-resourced rail network.
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