Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Halt on native hardwood use in construction by Allan Labor government stirs criticism by Melina BathMelina Bath argues with the government's decision to stop using native hardwood timber in various construction elements as it impacts consumer choice and attempts to justify the closure of Victoria's native hardwood timber industry. By news@gippsland - 2nd November 2023 - Back to News The Victorian building industry has been directed to cease designing and constructing homes with native hardwood timber by the Labor government. In a recent letter to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Labor "strongly recommends" builders cease using native hardwood varieties in flooring, staircases, beams, doors, windows, architectural features, decking and cladding. 
Victorian hardwood, valued for its bushfire resistance, should be part of the solution but Labor's decision is making life harder for Victorians Consumer choice manipulationThe Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said clearly Labor is dictating consumer choice but seeking to hide behind the HIA, labelling the directive "outrageous". "This is Labor's poor attempt to manipulate product demand to justify its appalling decision to close Victoria's native hardwood timber industry." "Local building companies have said it should be up to the government to explain supply issues of construction products, not make them the bearer of bad news. Builders are already being hit with increased costs and reduced availability of materials, this is yet another challenge in the midst of the housing and rental crisis," Ms Bath said. Housing delivery doubtsDuring question time today Ms Bath challenged the Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing on the government's ability to deliver its promised 80,000 new homes a year, citing its latest directive. "Minister Shing obfuscated, claiming the question was not in her portfolio. There is no way Labor can deliver even a fraction of its promised housing given Victoria's material supply shortages, rapidly escalating construction costs and workforce issues." "The distressing reality is that Victorian hardwood is regularly preferred by builders and consumers for its bushfire resistant properties, compared to overseas alternatives harvested under less stringent environmental standards - our hardwood should be part of the solution. The devil is always in the detail with Labor, this is a government that's all spin and zero substance. Meanwhile life gets much harder for all Victorians under Labor," Ms Bath said. Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Melina Bath demands Allan government release clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment stages
Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand. - Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers. - Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists. - Melina Bath condemns Labor government for recycled road funding spin and failure to deliver real investment
Melina Bath has accused the Allan government of recycling old road funding announcements, labelling them propaganda and demanding genuine investment to address the worsening condition of regional Victoria's neglected roads. - Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety. - Melina Bath blames Allan government as Victoria's public housing waitlist surges amid worsening housing crisis
Victoria's housing crisis deepens as public housing waitlists surge past 60,000. Melina Bath blames the Allan government's inaction, rising taxes, and mismanagement for worsening homelessness and unaffordable rents across the state. - Melina Bath condemns Allan government, warns emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped
Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government for misleading regional Victorians, warning the emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped, and calling for its full abolition to protect farmers and communities. - Melina Bath denounces Allan government’s $13M machete amnesty as wasteful, ineffective stunt
Melina Bath slammed the Allan government’s $13 million machete amnesty as wasteful, ineffective, and politically motivated, criticising costly bins, media stunts, and lack of real impact on knife crime. - Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s mismanaged renewable energy transition, as targets remain unachievable
Three Gippsland offshore wind projects have collapsed and a fourth stalled, with Nationals’ Melina Bath criticising the Allan government’s mismanagement of Victoria’s renewable energy transition and rising energy insecurity. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch. - Melina Bath criticises Labor government, calling Myki's delayed tap-and-go rollout a "mythical unicorn," outdated and incompatible
Victoria's long-promised tap-and-go public transport system has been delayed until 2028, leaving commuters, especially in regional areas, still reliant on outdated Myki cards and paper tickets - Melina Bath criticises Labor’s digital-only licence system, calling it discriminatory and locking out hunters lacking internet access
Melina Bath urges Minister Dimopoulos to reinstate paper-based licence renewals, ensuring hunters aren’t excluded and focusing on hunting competency over digital skills - Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism. - Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities. - Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Allan Labor government invests $860,000 to support and strengthen Men's Sheds across Victoria
The Allan Labor government is investing $860,000 to support 31 men's sheds across Victoria, funding upgrades, expansions, and new equipment to strengthen communities and foster connection through shared skills. - Melina Bath launches e-petition urging Labor to enforce gun laws properly and protect law-abiding firearm owners in Gippsland
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath and firearm owner Ryan Weeratunge launch e-petition urging Labor to enforce existing gun laws, avoid rushed changes, and consult law-abiding owners to ensure community safety. - Construction begins on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, including new curator shed and upgraded female-friendly facilities
Construction has started on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, beginning with a new curator shed, supporting local sports growth, female-friendly facilities, and community recreation, funded by Council and a government grant. - Melina Bath says after 11 years of Labor, Victoria’s public lands face neglect, higher risks, and degradation
The Silver Review recommends abolishing VEAC, a $1.4 million taxpayer-funded bureaucracy, as Labor’s ineffective agency failed to improve land management or address bushfire and environmental risks. - Danny O'Brien urges Allan Labor government to fix online rebate issues affecting CFA and SES volunteers' access to support
Danny O'Brien has urged the Allan Labor Government to fix the online-only rebate system, saying CFA and SES volunteers struggle to access support and deserve easier, paper-based application options. - Kay Street Car Park construction progressing smoothly, delivering major new parking capacity for Traralgon CBD by 2026
Construction of Traralgon’s five-level Kay Street Car Park is progressing on schedule for mid-2026, delivering 430 new CBD spaces and supporting local businesses, accessibility, and future regional growth. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - 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. - Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions. - Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction. - Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor government for neglecting regional PSOs while funding Melbourne stations
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor Government for neglecting regional PSOs, citing rising Gippsland crime and calling for equal safety protections and additional officers under Coalition plans. - Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety. - Melina Bath encourages groups to apply for grants supporting veterans and restoring community memorials by 3 February 2026
Melina Bath backs local organisations to apply for grants supporting veterans, with funding available for facility upgrades and restoring community war memorials. Applications close 3 February 2026. - Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria. - Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication. - Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
Melina Bath warned underfunded regional palliative care forces terminally ill Victorians into hospitals instead of home, calling for urgent investment to ensure dignity, support, and equal access across eastern Victoria. - Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship. - Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties and plans for heightened bushfire risk this summer
The Nationals’ Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties, review Bushfire Survival Plans, and stay informed to reduce risk and protect families, pets, and communities this summer. - 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 celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy. - 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. - Martin Cameron criticises stalled Traralgon underpass, urges overpass alternative for delayed pedestrian safety project
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises nearly three-year delay on Traralgon underpass, urging government to clarify plans or consider a safer overpass for students and pedestrians crossing the train line. - Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires. - 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. - Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection. - Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026. - Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections. - Darren Chester accuses Victorian Labor of endangering Gippslanders by delaying Mallacoota-Genoa road upgrades
Federal Member Darren Chester warns Victorian Labor’s inaction on Mallacoota-Genoa Road, despite $10 million funding, endangers Gippslanders, leaving critical safety upgrades delayed and road conditions increasingly unsafe. - Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending. - 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. - 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. - Darren Chester warns Labor-Greens EPBC reforms threaten Gippsland timber industry, jobs, and regional communities
Darren Chester warns Labor-Greens EPBC reforms threaten Gippsland’s native hardwood and plantation timber industry, risking jobs, regional communities, sustainable forest management, and increasing reliance on imported timber products. - Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to urgently fix South Gippsland Highway dangerous, deteriorating road conditions statewide
Danny O’Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently repair the deteriorating South Gippsland Highway, citing potholes, failing patches, and community frustration across key stretches before the busy holiday period. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators. - Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control. - 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. - Tim Bull criticises Labor government for mismanagement, volunteer cuts, and inadequate fuel reduction ahead of high-risk summer season
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull warns communities face extreme bushfire risk this summer due to Labor’s volunteer cuts, ageing CFA fleet, inadequate fuel reduction, and failure to implement Royal Commission recommendations. - Tim Bull condemns Labor government for rejecting Jack’s Law, delaying vital reforms to prevent knife-related harm
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticises Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, a proven reform to enhance police powers, remove dangerous weapons, and improve community safety against knife-related violence. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - 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. - Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
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. - Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly. - Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection. - Darren Chester warns Labor gun law changes unfairly target regions, distract from government extremism failures
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says Labor’s firearm law changes unfairly punish regional Australians, distract from failures tackling anti-Semitism and extremism, and won’t prevent terrorism like the Bondi attack tragedy violence. - Gippsland emerges as national hub for industrial hemp, boosting sustainable alternatives to timber
Gippsland is gaining national attention as a hub for industrial hemp, with pilot projects, crop walks, and the Global Hemp Summit showcasing sustainable alternatives and regional economic opportunities. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to use free blind safety kits to prevent tragic child accidents
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges residents to order free Consumer Affairs Victoria blind safety kits, warning unsecured curtain cords are a hazard and simple fixes can prevent child deaths. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance. - Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem. - 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. - Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - 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. - 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. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for decade-long failure to fund replacement CFA stations in Foster and Mirboo North
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for failing to replace outdated Foster and Mirboo North CFA stations, saying volunteers face unsafe conditions despite years of promises and growing community contributions. - 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. - Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management. - 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. - David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry. - David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - 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. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Tim Bull warns Victorian government policies leave record fuel loads, risking another mega-fire
Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition. - Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families. - Danny O’Brien says July-September 2025 data shows Labor continues failing Gippsland’s critical emergency response
Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities. - 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. - Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry. - David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds. - 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. - 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. - Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity amid Labor’s mismanaged renewable energy transition
Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity as Labor mismanages the renewable energy transition, delaying projects, electricity reliability, raising prices, causing gas shortages, and threatening jobs and households. - 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. - Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible. - 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. - 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. - East Gippsland CMA protects Gippsland’s critically endangered Redgum Woodlands and seasonal herbaceous wetlands
EGCMA and partners are restoring Gippsland’s Critically Endangered Redgum Woodlands and Wetlands, planting native species, improving habitats, and tackling threats across 15 key sites for long-term conservation. - Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs. - Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening. - Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention. - Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season. - 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. - Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding. - Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience. - Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action. - Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis.
|
|
