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Victorian Ombudsman launches investigation into Andrews Labor Government's botched border permit scheme

Victorian Ombudsman to investigate the Labor government.

By news@gippsland - 15th September 2021 - Back to News

News today the Victorian Ombudsman will launch an investigation into the Andrews Labor Government's botched border permit scheme is a victory for everyday Victorians. Bungled interstate border closures have separated families for months and left thousands of older Victorians exiled at makeshift hubs along the NSW border.

Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass OBE to investigate the Andrews Labor government and to weed out corruption and misconduct

Decision to investigate

Since July 9 this year, the Victorian Ombudsman has received 80 complaints about COVID-19 related interstate travel permits, exceptions and exemptions - many from Victorian citizens refused entry back to their own State.

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria Peter Walsh, whose electorate runs along the border with NSW, said the Ombudsman's decision to investigate came after months of anguish for exiled Victorians.

"Labor's unwieldy border permit scheme has wrought chaos and heartbreak over the length of the Murray River and for residents of our border communities with SA," Mr Walsh said.

Total disregard for due process

Mr Walsh said, "Daniel Andrews' draconian rules and total disregard for due process has callously separated families and imposed unworkable red tape on businesses that rely on the cross-border relationship."

"My office alone has received thousands of calls from Victorians at their wit's end who can't understand why their own Government would leave them homeless, rather than allow them to come home. People are going to great lengths to get home, with many choosing to self-isolate in COVID-free border communities for two weeks even before they apply for an exemption," Mr Walsh said.

Weed out corruption and misconduct

Announcing the investigation, Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass said reports the scheme was leaving Victorians facing "effective homelessness" must be put under the microscope. She added that the concerning case reports "raised concerns about the exercise of discretion under the relevant public health directions" and "potentially systemic issues about departmental decision-making".

Mr Walsh welcomed the Ombudsman's decision to investigate, despite the office's reduced capacity due to budget cuts. "Daniel Andrews has taken an axe to the budget of the Victorian Ombudsman and the important work it does to uncover and weed out corruption and misconduct. The Andrews Labor Government's callous decisions have blocked thousands of Victorians from returning home and they deserve to have their say." Mr Walsh said.

Pictures from Victorian Ombudsman website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Report and recommendations made to protect Victori'as ecosystems and combat the devastation of bushfires, invasive weeds and pest animals.
• No food on the shelves for Victoria if Andrews Labor Government fails fix food supply chain workforce shortages
  Industry has warned there'll be "no food on the shelves" if the Andrews Labor Government fails to act to fix workforce shortages that risk bringing Victoria's food supply chain to a grinding halt.
• Statewide lockdowns Labor government are killing communities across Victoria including Gippsland
  Decision to call for state lockdown keeps bringing Victorians out of work and resources.
• Outrageous proposed laws by Andrews government allows Premier to lockdown without warning and if no pandemic disease in Victoria
  New legislation before the Victorian Parliament is seeking to permanently enshrine government over-reach into the lives and livelihoods of regional Victorians.
• Youth-specific rehabilitation facility on Northern Avenue in Traralgon officially opened as part of Victorian Ice Action Plan
  Latrobe Valley and Gippsland youth to get the alcohol and drugs rehabilitation support they need through Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA).
• Latrobe Valley renewable energy Investment by Andrews Labor Government to reducing emissions and create jobs
  The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to invest in renewable energy in the Latrobe Valley and beyond - reducing emissions and creating jobs.
• Dan Andrews pandemic bill for Victoria makes no sense when Commonwealth officials working in windowless offices not vaccine mandated
  Victorian government looks set to pass its controversial pandemic bill.
• Darren Chester seeks explanation from Andrews Labor government on Eastern Beach Road works on extraordnary delay
  Failure to upgrade a busy intersection in Lakes Entrance is putting residents at risk of serious injuries, according to Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
• Putting Patients First program from Andrews Labor government forgets to fund a new West Gippsland Hospital
  The 2022-23 State Budget, with the slogan "Putting Patients First", has failed to deliver a new Hospital for West Gippsland.
• Strzelecki Highway between Morwell and Mirboo North gets $8.25M to improve safety and reduce travel time from Victorian 2022/23 budget
  The Andrews Labor government is improving safety and travel times along the Strzelecki Highway with a new overtaking lane along the key tourism and agricultural route.
• Great disappointment for Latrobe Valley from Andrews Labor government state budget 2022/2023 budget says Russell Northe
  Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the 2022/2023 state government Budget would be met with great disappointment by many within the Latrobe Valley.
• Gippsland Cancer Care Centre to get new Linear Accelerator as part of $11M funding package from the Victorian 2022/23 budget
  Regional cancer patients will have access to brand new radiotherapy services closer to home, thanks to a massive funding boost in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.
• Despite business struggles recovering from pandemic Andrews Labor government budget cuts more from regional development funding
  The 2022-23 state budget confirmed Labor's funding strip from the regional development fund.
• Mirboo North Pool reopens with updated facilities from $3.6M low interest loan from Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Victorian government scheme
  Mirboo North's updated pool facilities are open in time for summer fun, thanks to a community sports loan from the Victorian Government.
• Labor appoints Labor mate Ben Hubbard as the new Chair and Director of VicForests to put jobs through wood chipper
  A former Chief-of-Staff to Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard has been covertly appointed to lead the Andrews Labor government's radical destruction of Victoria's sustainable native timber industry.
• Bass Coast Shire Council launches new online engagement platform called Engage Bass Coast
  Bass Coast Shire Council is excited to launch its new online engagement platform, 'Engage Bass Coast', on Monday, 28 February.
• Labor political candidate handed top job at V/Line despite having no experience in transport sector
  A former Labor political candidate has been handed the top job at Victoria's country train operator V/Line, despite having no experience in the transport sector.
• New Men's Shed Workshop at Neerim Junction on digital technology funded $80,000 from Victorian government
  Council has entered a community lease with Neerim District Community House and Men's Shed to develop a workshop facility located at the former Neerim Junction Tennis Courts, at 17 Court Rd, Neerim Junction.
• Bringing manufacturing home needed to solve growing shortages of essential chemicals and spare parts by Victorian farm businesses
  The global supply chain took a battering in the COVID pandemic and now conflict between Russia and the Ukraine is further shaking the foundations of Victoria's key import and export markets.
• Gippslanders should hold Dan Andrews to his promise to stop Labor's destructive policy of sudden, statewide lockdowns
  Andrews government still not giving a plan to end the uncertainty of lockdown.
• Two long years since Andrew Labor government flagged intention to establish Stolen Generations Reparations package
  Victoria has today announced details of a Stolen Generations redress scheme.
• Noojee transition plan from timber industry to be developed by independent project officer with $360,000 from Victorian Forestry grant
  State government initiative that would help support the timber communities and local jobs.
• Support for senior vocational education students (VET) from Andrews Labor government
  The Victorian Government is making sure every secondary school student whose Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies have been disrupted by the pandemic will receive extra support to complete their certificates.
• Local emergency services for regional Victoria should feature in 2022-23 Victorian budget
  Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull is hoping to see some key projects ticked off in next week's State Budget.
• Repairing Morwell River Diversion for Yallourn mine to ensure energy supply agreed on between Energy Australian and Victorian government
  Works to repair the damage in the Morwell River Diversion (MRD) near the Yallourn coal mine to secure Victoria's energy supply have been agreed upon between the Victorian Government and Energy Australia.
• How Labor is helping regional communities like Gippsland recover from storms
  Funding made available to help communities recover from the storm.
• Puffing Billy tradition of sitting on window sills returns to the iconic heritage Victorian railway
  The time-honoured tradition of sitting on the sills of Puffing Billy will make its long-awaited return to the iconic heritage railway from today.
• Research underway to strengthen Greater Glider possum population in Latrobe CIty with $50,000 grant from Victorian government
  A research project is underway to study and strengthen the population of the Greater Glider possum, the largest gliding mammal in Australia.
• Moe Play Space in Apex Park gets changing places accessible toilet from Latrobe City Council with $110,000 from Victorian government
  Funding received from the government for changing areas at Apex Park.
• Peter Walsh says Andrews government vaccine mandate for all Authorised Workers, including farmers is desperate and illogical
  Mandating COVID vaccinations to all farmers and authorised workers.
• Local psychologist Dr Sharee Johnson launches book 'The Thriving Doctor' at Port of Sale
  Local psychologist and executive coach Sharee Johnson will launch her book The Thriving Doctor at Port of Sale this month
• Expelling students with disability to burden families is not the answer to under-resourced Victorian schools
  Data released today confirms soaring rates of expulsion of students with a disability during the pandemic, indicating under-resourced schools are not coping.
• More than a hundred jobs to be cut from Agriculture Victoria reducing services to food and fibre industry by Andrews Labor government
  As all Victorians continue to be impacted by food shortages and major disruptions to the food supply chain, Labor will axe 109 jobs from Agriculture Victoria this year.
• Health Advocate Jane Anderson re-appointed by state government to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Latrobe Valley
  The Victorian Government is ensuring the right leadership is in place to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Latrobe Valley.
• Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission report shows massive 30 percent increase in Ice Drug addiction after Victorian lockdowns
  New data pointing to a spike in drug use and addiction has painted a harrowing picture of the impact of lockdowns on the lives of vulnerable Victorians.
• Grants for creative workers open from state government' 'Sustaining Creative Workers' initiative
  The Victorian Government's Sustaining Creative Workers initiative is now open for applications, providing critical support to Victoria's independent creative sector when they need it most.
• Independent MPs help Labor make it harder to own a home in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland
  Independent MPs have joined with Labor MPs to pass a new housing tax.
• Dan Andrews officially opened Morwell Trade Skills Centre (MTSC) as part of a $35.5M rejuvenation of TAFE Gippsland
  The Andrews Labor Government is giving more Gippsland job seekers access to world-class trades training with the opening of a new multimillion dollar Morwell Trade Skills Centre at TAFE Gippsland.
• Heavy cuts for regional Victoria in 2022/23 budget due to record debts and costs blowouts from major projects by Andrews Labor government
  Regional Victorians are set to cop further cuts to services and find it even harder to buy a home with today's State Budget no more than a PR repair plan for Daniel Andrews.
• Draft statement of planning policy submitted by Bass Coast Shire Council for Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program from Victorian government
  Bass Coast Shire Council will lodge a submission with the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) on the draft Statement of Planning Policy, outlining its concerns.
• Country drivers in danger from hazards on rural roads from Andrews Labor government budget cuts
  Labor government's cut on the road maintenance neglect on the country road asset maintenance has left the country roads neglected.
• Gippsland not-for-profit kindergardens can apply for grants from $7.5M from state government fund to improve ventilation
  Victorian Government is helping kindergarten services across Eastern Victoria reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission, with support for better ventilation measures to help keep children and staff COVIDSafe.
• Baw Baw Shire and Latrobe City Council get extra $13,200 from state government 'Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program'
  Eastern Victorian Councils will receive more funding to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
• Latrobe Valley paper will continue to be sent by rail for export and distribution as key Gippsland freight service gets stimulus for Victorian government
  Improvements on train tracks that will help ensure its daily runs.
• Business Fibre Zones with 1 GB Internet connections coming to Warragul and Wonthaggi-Inverloch from agreement between state government and NBN Co
  Victorians can look forward to more areas of their state being able to access the highest speed NBN speed tiers under a co-investment agreement between NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) and the Victorian Government, announced today.
• Dan Andrews and his most senior ministers must apologise for victim-blaming and gas-lighting says Emma Kealy
  The Premier must apologise for the victim-blaming and gas-lighting by himself and one of his most senior Labor Ministers.
• Brumby carcasses found by locals in East Gippsland bush requires explanation from Andrews Labor government about culling program
  Following reports of brumby carcasses being found in the East Gippsland bush, local Nationals MP, Tim Bull, has asked the Environment Minister to come clean on the details of the program.
• Reinstate density limits and not patron caps for safe reopening of regional hospitality venues
  Victorian Government has been urged to reinstate density limits, not patron caps, for the safe reopening of regional hospitality venues
• Haunted Hills Mountain Bike Park trails in Moe to be further extended via Regional Tourism Investment Fund
  Victorian Government is supporting the extension of a popular mountain bike track in Gippsland.
• Country commuters stranded on neglected V/Line network from Andrews Labor government budget cuts
  Regional train passengers are again wearing the consequences of decades of neglect of V/Line, with a statewide communications outage forcing the entire network to a standstill today.
• Regional kids including Gippsland still locked out of the classroom, but the Andrew's Labor state government won't tell us why
  Andrews Labor Government's decision to force students in regional communities into remote learning.
• Tutor program to continue in schools across Eastern Victoria until 2022
  The Victorian Government will make sure that not one school student across Eastern Victoria is left behind in the wake of the pandemic, with the state's extraordinarily successful tutor program to continue until the end of 2022.
• Amendments to double maximum fine for farm invasion blocked by Labor, Greens and Independent MPs
  Amendments to double the maximum fine for illegal farm invasion have been blocked in Victorian Parliament by Labor, Greens and Independent MPs.
• Food relief across the Latrobe Valley funded $16,700 from Food Relief Financial Reserve
  The Victorian Government is ensuring those who are doing it tough during the pandemic can continue putting a meal on the table, with funding to deliver food to Victorians who need it most.
• Gippsland live performance presenters and suppliers can apply for state support from event cancellations between May and September
  The Victorian Government is providing more support for live performance events that have been cancelled due to the recent coronavirus restrictions.
• Baw Baw Shire Council shares in state funding to help residents understand the four-bin recycling system
  Victorian councils are being supported to roll out new education campaigns to help residents understand the four-bin recycling system, as part of the Victorian Government's goal to divert 80% of waste from landfill.
• Latrobe City calls for input into storm and review of flood response to learn lessons for next time
  Storm and flood clean-up program funded by the government to provide service to property owners affected by storm and flooding without any cost.
• Feedback wanted from Gippslanders on Connecting Victoria survey from state government
  One Gippsland has welcomed the Victorian Government's ground-breaking Connecting Victoria Engagement Report that outlines the digital connectivity issues in regional Victoria.
• Rebuild opportunity for Victoria's broken mental health system will be missed if Labor government refuses to support crucial reforms
  An opportunity to rebuild Victoria's broken mental health system will be missed if the State Government refuses to support crucial reforms that will unlock thousands of extra workers for the exhausted and under-resourced workforce.
• Baw Baw Shire Council gets $360,000 additional disaster recovery funding to support community long term recovery from 2019 bushfire
  Funding provided by the Victorian Government to support bushfire safety and preparedness initiatives in the eastern region of Baw Baw Shire.
• Latrobe City Council submits to inquiry into impacts of Hazelwood and Yallourn power stations closures
  Latrobe City Council will advocate for greater Government support for the municipality to help the region transition with less power stations.
• Extraordinary backtrack means more time to speak up against draconian Dan Andrews Pandemic Bill
  Peter Walsh MP opposing the bill and urging Victorians to speak up and stand up for their freedom.
• Promised plant nursery with 30 jobs for Nowa Nowa scrapped by Andrews Labor government
  The State Government's promise to establish a nursery employing 30 people in Nowa Nowa has, as many expected, been scrapped, in fact, it never progressed beyond the media release.
• Federal government' Financial Assistance Grant 2021-22 second payment for Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe City and South Gippsland Shire Councils
  Local governments in Monash have received their second 2021-22 quarterly payment through the Federal Government's Financial Assistance Grant program.
• More ambulances and paramedics for Latrobe Valley from Andrews Labor government
  More ambulances and paramedics for the Latrobe Valley to ensure locals get the best care.
• Beekeepers share the buzz about access to Colquhoun Forest, near Nowa Nowa in East Gippsland
  East Gippsland Councillors joined the Victorian Apiarists' Association and Gippsland Apiarist Association on a field tour of beekeeping sites.
• Free Seniors Festival film and lunch event in Wonthaggi on 22 March 2022 hosted by Bass Coast Shire Council
  Bass Coast Shire Council, in partnership with the Victorian Seniors Festival, is hosting a free Seniors Festival film and lunch event in Wonthaggi on Tuesday, 22 March.
• No more excuses for bushfire recovery delays in East Gippsland from Andrews Labor government
  All levels of government have been challenged to stop making excuses and get on with the job of delivering bushfire recovery projects in East Gippsland.
• Federal government will fund $182 million of road and rail works in Gippsland during 2022-23
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) says the Federal Government will fund $182 million worth of road and rail work in the region during the 2022-23 financial year.
• Federal government provides $131.8M for local road maintenance in West and Central Gippsland under the Roads to Recovery funding
  Local road maintenance in Monash will receive a boost thanks to funding under the Australian government's Roads to Recovery Program.
• State government recycling plan to significantly impact Bass Coast Shire Council approach to waste over next ten years
  Reforms that are going to significantly impact Bass Coast's approach to waste in the coming years.
• Treasurer Tim Pallas finally apologises for disgraceful slur directed at a female Labor colleague - Premier must now do the same
  Treasurer Tim Pallas has finally apologised today for his disgraceful slur directed at a female Labor colleague and the Premier must now do the same.
• Federal government backs largest indoor Barramundi aquaculture farm at Latrobe Valley with $30M funding
  The Latrobe Valley will become home to the world's largest indoor barramundi aquaculture farm with a $30 million boost from the federal government.
• Federal government grants MediPharm Labs in Wonthaggi to $466,577 and create more local manufacturing jobs
  Grant to modernize a local company, MediPharm Labs to create greater efficiency and competitiveness.
• Gippsland government schools can apply for state funded solar panels through Greener Government School Buildings program
  Applications for the school solar panel system are now open.
• Desperate Triple-Zero calls unanswered and long ambulance waits from result from Andrews Labor government
  Crisis in Victoria's health system that's being ignored by the Andrews Labor government.
• Mental health cut $60M from Beyond Blue, Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia, Lifeline and Kids Helpline by Andrews Labor government
  Mental Health Minister James Merlino has confirmed almost $60 million of cruel cuts to mental health programs that were designed to help struggling Victorians recover from the pandemic.
• Latrobe City to work with federal government on $10M funding for next stage of Gippsland Logistics Precinct
  Latrobe City Council is ready to partner with the new Labor Federal Government following the results of the Federal election over the weekend.
• Morwell Foodbank hub at standstill after four years of promises from Andrews Labor government
  Lack of updates and communications with the Latrobe Valley community with regards to the promised Morwell Foodbank Hub, community seeks more information about the Morwell Foodbank Hub
• Call to federal government to extend funding for the HeadtoHelp (H2H) program in Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is calling on the Federal Government to extend funding for the HeadtoHelp (H2H) program in Gippsland.
• Latrobe City Council calls government to back recovery of Traralgon Showgrounds community groups from 2021 storm and flood event
  Calling on the State and Federal Governments to back a plan to help community groups based at Traralgon Recreation Reserve and Showgrounds.
• Darren Chester urges all government levels to fund redevelopment of Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium in Morwell
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging all levels of government to work together and fund the redevelopment of the Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium in Morwell.
• Concern over delays to rollout of Murray Basin Rail Project East expresses by Gippsland Shire Council to Andrews Labor government
  Council backed a request from the Rail Freight Alliance (RFA), of which Council is a member, to join a statewide call to get the project back on track ahead of the Victorian State Election.
• More cutting-edge equipment for Gippsland Tech School to deliver more innovative STEM learning programs
  The Gippsland Tech School will soon be more high-tech to support Victorian Tech Schools to buy new equipment and deliver more innovative STEM learning programs.
• Darren Chester says Latrobe Valley owed explanation from Dan Andrews on failed promise for 500 electric vehicle manufacturing jobs
  Latrobe Valley community wants to know why members of the parliament refuse to participate in a local task force.
• Regions in Victoria like Gippsland need a guaranteed positive way forward crippling 18 months of uncertainty and lockdown
  The time has come to guarantee a positive way forward for regional Victorian communities that have been crippled by 18 months of uncertainty and lockdown.
• Wellington Shire Council will only allow fully vaccinated people into its buildings post COVID-19 vaccination target
  How people interact with Wellington Shire Council services will change in coming days when Victoria meets its 80% Covid-19 vaccination target.
• Please don't hang up when the Latrobe City Council Community Satisfaction Survey calls
  Latrobe City Council residents may soon receive a phone call inviting them to participate in the Victorian Government's annual Community Satisfaction Survey, undertaken by National Field Services.
• Chronic shortage of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for coronavirus in Victoria responsibility of Andrews Labor government
  Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are having a shortage while the government is trying to play the blame game.