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Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for AustraliaDarren 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. By news@gippsland - 9th February 2026 - Back to News I welcome the decision to re-form the Coalition between the Liberal Party and The Nationals. The Federal Coalition has delivered the best form of government in our nation’s history, and our party room is united in its commitment to reset this successful political partnership for the future. Out of respect to millions of Coalition supporters across Australia, we took the time to get the settings right as part of the negotiations with the Liberal Party. 
Darren Chester prioritised unity, rejecting division, to refocus the Coalition on holding Labor accountable and addressing cost of living, services, security and regional needs Focused on AustraliansPersonally, I took the view ‘the things that united us, were bigger than the things that divided us’ and worked constructively with The Nationals leadership team to help secure this result. Every moment we spend talking about internal party issues is a free pass to a weak and divisive Prime Minister who has failed to keep his promises to lower energy bills and govern for all Australians. Australia deserves a better government which has policies to unite the country and programs aimed at bridging the gap in services between city and country people. As a Coalition, we need to commit ourselves to doing the hard work required to hold the government to account as we engage with all Australians, listen to their concerns, and develop policies that make a difference in people’s lives. Key issues around the cost of living impacts on housing affordability and energy; a balanced immigration program which is in Australia’s best interests; transport and telecommunication infrastructure in the regions; national security and safety on our streets; and the delivery of key services in health, aged care, disability and childcare are more important than internal party differences. Families first policiesOn the last point, we need better family policies in Australia that respect choice and the pivotal role of families in raising the next generation, and not forcing everyone into an institutionalised model of childcare. It’s time to take a more holistic look at how we support young families who are often hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis. These are big issues to be resolved, and it will take a united Coalition team to develop sensible policies which respect individual choice in Australian families and deliver a safer, stronger, fairer Australia, where everyone can get ahead. I’m also looking forward to returning to the role of Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, where I can work constructively with current and former Australian Defence Force personnel on policies to support the men and women who keep us safe. Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - East Gippsland welcomes 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale ceremony, celebrating diversity, and shared Australian values
East Gippsland welcomed 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale, celebrating diversity, community spirit, and contributions of residents embracing their new Australian citizenship. - Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland communities to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 1 March 2026
Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success. - Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region. - Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond. - Latrobe City welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth. - 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. - CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently. - South Gippsland Shire Council congratulates the nominees and winners of 2026 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards and other updates
South Gippsland celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards at Meeniyan Hall, recognising outstanding citizens, youth, and community events, with winners Valerie Wilson, Erica Begg, Rhiannon Rawlins, and Loch Food and Wine Festival. - Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal. - Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities. - Drouin Picnic Racing Club receives $13,519 upgrade boost through Allan Labor government's Regional Customer Facilities Program
Drouin Picnic Racing Club will receive $13,519 to upgrade facilities and enhance race day experiences, part of the Allan Labor government's $730,000 investment improving regional racing venues statewide. - 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. - Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events. - Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria. - Gippsland Water welcomes five local women into STEM internships, promoting diversity, innovation, and career pathways for students
Gippsland Water welcomed five local women into STEM internships, providing real-world experience, mentoring, and career pathways while promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation across multiple departments this summer. - Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
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