Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Liberal Nationals

David Littleproud criticises $10B housing investment and voices concerns on Indigenous Cultural Heritage Laws

Government's $10 billion investment, housing crisis, Indigenous representation, and Western Australia's policies raise concerns.

By news@gippsland - 2nd August 2023 - Back to News

David Littleproud MP, leader of the Nationals on his conference with the journalists about the parliament house, Gallery Doorstop, housing fund, increasing rent, pharmacies and regional health, The Voice and cultural heritage laws.

David Littleproud criticises $10B housing investment as risky with taxpayers' money. Urges action on supply and planning cooperation

Bill criticism unveiled

H3:A journalist asked Mr Littleproud "The Housing (Bill) is coming back today. What's the problem with it?"

Mr Littleproud replied, It's a $10 billion punt with Australian taxpayers money. They're going to borrow $10 billion, hope that they can make an investment greater than the interest rate they're paying on it and not going to build a house until after the next election. The problem is here and now, it's about supply, it's about lifting supply.

We had a one and a half billion dollar fund that was about partnering with the private sector to actually increase supply straight away. In their wisdom, they got rid of that straight away when they got into government, and then they had to come back and give an extra $2 billion now. That $2 billion isn't going anywhere near regional Australia. Let me give you six to four on that.

Housing challenges and hypocrisy

All of Australia is feeling the pain of this. There should be strings attached, even to the money they're putting out now, the $2 billion, and making sure that there are planning consequences because this housing crisis is an abject failure of state and local governments, and federal governments are stepping in and we acknowledge that we tried this, government has tried, but you've got to make sure you get the policy settings right for the here and now.

And that's where the problem is, the here and now. And we have to have a mature conversation, particularly with those that want to live in a capital city, the planning may need to go up rather than out. We don't need to knock down prime agricultural land for more housing estates. If you want to live in a capital city, you might have to live in a unit.

That also means that you get supply in there quicker. When you've got this Greens movement that is running around the country saying they want to increase supply, yet protest about increases in housing density in capital cities, you've got to question the hypocrisy of that mob and what they actually stand for. And are they genuine about working with local and state governments in giving them the environment to create more supply?

Two- year rent freeze

The journalist asked, "What about their pitch for the two-year rent freeze though?"

Mr Littleproud replied, "I think you've got to be very careful with rent freezes and having unintended consequences of increasing supply and in making, creating, an environment for investors to get into the market. Because not everyone can afford a mortgage and particularly where interest rates are at the moment."

"And they're going to continue to stay longer, higher, under this government because of the pressures of inflation. Even the RBA government said that it's got to get back to that two to three per cent setting. And the discretionary spend of Australians is dropping. But what isn't coming down is their spending on essentials like electricity, and their food, which is a direct result of this government's energy policy," he said.

Renewables and inflation impact

Mr Littleproud said, "This reckless race to 82 per cent renewables by 2030, is not just driving up household power bills. It's driving up your food bill because food processors bills have gone up three, sometimes four times what they were last year, and they have to pass that on. And so that's driving up inflation."

"So you've got to look at the drivers of inflation and look at what pressure this government is putting the RBA under. And so this is where you don't necessarily need to flood the economy with money. You need to flood it with some common sense and pull the levers that actually reduce inflation and take the pressure off the RBA and bring down not only interest rates, but bring down inflation," he said.

Proposing doctor standards

The journalist asked, "The RACGP have said they want to change the standards for bringing foreign doctors to Australia. This used to be prioritised to rural areas. That's now changed? Would you like to see the standards change in that rural change?"

Mr Littleproud said, "Well, Mark Butler has destroyed regional health and put lives at risk by removing the designated priority areas. Because foreign doctors were designated to be able to work only in regional, rural and remote areas."

"And extending that into peri-urban areas means that, I know that the Rural Doctors Association already identified over 40 locations where we've lost rural doctors and have nothing there because of the consequence of Mark Butler's reckless policy that is putting lives at risk. Now we have to make sure that the settings of foreign doctors and their qualifications have some equivalency and we have confidence in those standards."

"But we need to revert back to the fact that regional health is in turmoil. It is in crisis. And even before Mark Butler came, we lived less and we were sicker than most other Australians. And by taking doctors away is not the way to help regional health. There needs to be a significant investment. And that's why we took a pragmatic policy as Nationals. We led this in saying, let's look at vaping," he said.

Common sense regional health

Let's actually look at how we can actually reduce vaping for young children in particular and go to a model that has worked, particularly the cigarettes where we've seen juvenile use of cigarettes, reduced by 80 per cent, when we regulated the packaging. But where the point of sale is, and if you use that exercise for regional health, then you will be able to make those investments, not just in doctors, but in allied health and in the infrastructure we need.

That's the common sense solution that The Nationals are being prepared to lead on. Despite those in the AMA that have sat there and condemned us, the reality is, we're not contesting the science on vaping and things like vaping, but they're not the ones that are talking about regulation. Their science is right, but I don't think that they have the expertise to talk about regulation.

We've seen what's happened with cigarettes, let's use that money for regional health, but let's use some common sense and get foreign doctors as a minimum out into the bush. And if you train them in the bush, statistics show that 40 per cent will stay and continue to practise in the bush. That's the common sense solutions The Nationals want and how you're going to pay for it. Well, let's look at the exercise on things like cigarettes and vaping.

Voice and treaty debate

Journalist's question: The Prime Minister says that the Opposition is trying to muddy the waters when it comes to Voice and Treaty. Do you think that the debate is becoming too skewed?

PM's referendum trust

Mr Littleproud said, "No, it has been a respectful one that we've created from the start about our position in particular, the onus of responsibility sits with the Prime Minister. This is the Prime Minister's question. This is the Prime Minister's Referendum. He's made a lot of statements about the Uluru Statement from the Heart."

"And the Uluru Statement from the Heart is about Voice, it's about Truth, it's about Treaty, it's about all three. And in the second reading speech by the Attorney General, he made it very clear that this was the first step in that whole process that would go towards a treaty in terms of a Makarrata Commission."

"And so there are legitimate questions that Australians want answered. But when the Prime Minister won't take the Australian people into his trust and put the legislation of the mechanics of the Voice in Parliament, not just for politicians to see, but for all Australians to see before they vote, then why should they trust him?" he said.

Trust and transparency in voice debate

Mr Littlepoud continued, "This is his question. This is his Referendum. And it's important he takes the Australian people into his trust about not just the question and this first part around the Voice, but the journey that he as the leader of this country is going to take our country on. That's a legitimate question that I think every Australian wants answered and rightfully because we want to get it right."

"And I think that is the journey The Nationals have been on from the start. We took a principal position that if this was about Constitutional recognition and a proper process of a Constitutional convention, not just where one cohort of the population gotta turn up and to have input into, but where a cross section of our community, of this great nation got to turn up and have input into what the question is and what the Constitutional change would be, then we, we are open to that process."

"But to add another layer of bureaucracy, of lived experience of ATSIC mark two, that we live with the consequences today. And I just say to those that live in cities, seek to understand us. Because we live with the consequences of the last time we had a representative body. And that's where the disadvantage is. So just on this one, while people look down their nose at that sometimes, on this one, we know a little bit," he said.

Inadequate representation

The journalist asked, "Indigenous people live with the consequences of not being adequately represented. We can go back to say, an intervention in the health policy to house. Aren't they living with the consequences as well?"

Effective indigenous interventions

Mr Littleproud replied, "Well, you are right. We need another intervention. We need an intervention here in Canberra in the bureaucracy, an intervention that sits around the town halls and in around the bush campfires with the Elders. Because you know, that's how you close the gap. We know, to the postcode and to the area in which we are deficient in that gap in each of those communities and where they are and who is actually being disadvantaged."

"So repeating the mistake of the past, of sending someone from out there that covers an area of hundreds of hundreds of thousands of square kilometres and hundreds of different communities, for a bureaucrat in Canberra to sit here and generalise and to put a national program back out that they have no buy-in gets the same result," he said.

Empower local elders

Mr Littleproud also said, "This is nothing new. We have done that before, but what we need to do is send the bureaucrats from Canberra and to sit around the town halls and listen to those Elders. Because I've seen it in my own electorate where you empower a local Elder that identifies the problem and has buy-in of her community to be able to change and shift the dial."

"That's how you close the gap. That's the common sense solution. That's where the intervention, there needs to be a 2023 intervention. And that needs to happen here in Canberra and getting bureaucrats out of here and sitting around town halls and listening to local Elders," he said.

Voice for empowerment

The journalist asked, "Isn't that the point of the Voice having those people come in here so they can go back to those communities. And if what you're saying is needed, then why hasn't it happened already and under your previous government?"

Challenges of national programs

Mr Littleproud said, "Well, I've made it clear there's been failures of the past definitely in making sure the bureaucracy is held to account. But what will happen is what happened last time, is that in the practical terms, you are talking hundreds of thousands square kilometres. I represent 10 percent of the Australian landmass."

"Let me tell you, the Indigenous communities in Warwick and Stamford are different to that in Cunnamulla, as they're different to that in Longreach. They have different challenges and different opportunities. But having one representative that comes to Canberra, along with probably four or five other regional ones around the country, and then comes here and tells bureaucrats as they did last time, this is our challenge, this is our opportunity."

"What happens is we have the same mistake we did last time as we let these bureaucrats fall into what they're able to do is just generalise and create a national program that they think will solve the whole nation's problem," he said.

Empower local elders

Mr Littleproud said, "It's more bespoke than that. It has to be at a local level. I'm not even convinced that regional voices work. It has to be a local voice, a local voice where the local Elders are empowered. They're the ones that know, and I can tell you, I was in Carnarvon in Western Australia, walking the streets at 9.30 at night with one of the Elders who's picking up young children off the streets."

"She wasn't talking about the Voice. She was talking about a bus and just a place for the kids to be put into a warm bed and get a hot feed. That's all she was asking for. That's different to what the challenges are in Cunnamulla. But she knows best and her message is diluted," he said.

Specific solutions needed

Mr Littleproud said, "When you actually send someone to Canberra and allow a bureaucrat, rather than saying to a bureaucrat, you will sit down and you'll walk the streets at 9.30. You won't leave that place until that program is designed specifically for Carnarvon. And when it's designed, it's implemented and we've measured it, then we know we've succeeded."

"But this generalisation is the mistake that we continue to fall into. And that's what I say, we live with the consequences of what happened last time, a representative body, just the sheer practicality of the hundreds of thousands in Western Australia being millions square commons, that they'll be covering hundreds of different communities that have different diverse challenges. We're just doing the same thing. This isn't anything new," he said.

Fear and treaty debate

The journalist asked, "Isn't it pretty cynical to raise the question of Treaty when the Voice debate is going on. Isn't that about increasing fear, planting seeds of doubt in people's minds about the Voice mixing up Treaty?"

Mr Littleproud answered, "No, the Prime Minister has made it clear. This is about the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The Uluru Statement from the Heart has three elements. Voice, Truth, Treaty."

Referendum proposal

The journalist said, "The Referendum proposal is about the Voice."

Mr Littleproud said, "Yeah. But even in the second reading speeches, as I just articulated earlier, the Attorney General said, this is the trajectory the government wants to take the nation on. And so it should be an entire journey that the Prime Minister can lay in front of the Australian people that we have confidence in, where he wants to take this nation and what are the elements of that."

"And by taking them into his trust, not only about the Treaty, but he should be saying to the Australian people, I will lay bare the legislation of the mechanics of the Voice on the Parliament's table so that not just politicians can see, but every Australian can see."

Trust in people's determination

Mr Littleproud added, "But he won't do that so that he won't take the Australian people into his trust. Why should they trust him? This is the Australian people's country to make a determination about their founding document. And why wouldn't we have had a Constitutional convention, a Constitutional convention, not just where a certain cohort turned up, but a broader section of the Australian community got to have a say."

"That's a key tenet of this country, a key tenet that I believe passionately that no matter your race, no matter your religion, we're all equal in this country. I'm sure we'll have an equal say, that is something over a hundred thousand Australians have lost their lives for. A key principle that I don't think we should ever give up on. And as a politician that's been given the privilege to sit here, it's one principle I won't let slide," he said.

Native title debate

The journalist asked, "Did you try to raise the native title debate from the early 90s when you brought up the WA cultural heritage laws in the party room yesterday?"

Mr Littleproud replied, "No, I'm talking about a real concern when 600 farmers are prepared to leave their farms and go and protest in a little town called Katanning and 400 gave an apology, that's how polite we are in the bush, weren't able to turn up to a rally but gave their apology. It goes to show the extent of the overreach of this policy in West Australia."

"So to put this in context, it's not just farmers, it's actually anyone who owns land over 1100 square metres. If you dig a hole, dig a hole greater than 50 centimetres down and you lift more than 20 kilograms of dirt, then you must have a cultural survey before you do that at $120 to $160 an hour, $1200 a day. Now, just to put it in context for you, I don't know whether you've been to Western Australia, but it's a pretty big state."

Costly fence line

If you want to do a fence line, or a post every 500 metres, that's a lot of posts. You are talking kilometres of fences. So that's a big cost that you are asking farmers and even individuals in the outer suburbs of Perth to pay on their freehold land. Now I think we've worked and walked hand in hand with Indigenous Australians, particularly in the pastoral industry, but this is an overreach by the Western Australian government.

And when you have an options paper that Tanya Plibersek and Anthony Albanese is looking at, and one of those options in that says quite clearly that another new body, another new Indigenous body will be created and it will have the power to prevent a development or force it to be redesigned, then you need to understand the scope and reach of what is being proposed by the federal government in addition to the reality of what Western Australians are living in.

Anxiety over government reach

So I'm talking about the here and now, and what people are telling us is they're worried, they're worried about the extent of which Anthony Albanese will reach with his federal policies. And I think that's a fair question. It's a fair question that we want to make sure is answered.

Farmers, I would contest every day of the week, have been respectful of Indigenous culture and they see it and they respect it and make sure that they work with traditional owners in making sure their livestock and their and their practices stay well clear of it.

And this is an overreach of what Rio Tinto did wrong. And Rio Tinto should pay the price. Make no mistake, I have no qualms in that. But to extend this into overreach has consequences. And I can tell you there's anxiety and fear out there. And it's not just now in Western Australia. It's here right across the Nullarbor.

Clarity on legislation

The journalist asked, "Is there any link to the Voice that you are hoping to draw between those two things?"

Mr Littleproud said, "No, I'm talking about the here and now. The fact that Western Australia has policies that Western Australian farmers are living with today. And the fact that Tanya Plibersek has made it clear that she intends to bring federal legislation in, we're just saying be clear, be honest.

Because if Western Australia is the benchmark, then every farmer and in fact households around the country should also be concerned about the reach in which she intends to take. That is a reasonable question to ask any government, no matter the timing. Thanks guys.

Pictures from CatholicCare Victoria website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• David Littleproud criticises Labor’s COP Summit bid as costly, self-serving, and out of touch amid Australia’s cost-of-living crisis
  Nationals leader David Littleproud slammed Labor’s $2 billion COP Summit bid as a self-serving, costly vanity project, prioritising global attention over Australians struggling with cost-of-living pressures and rising energy bills.
• 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 warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.
• 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.
• 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.
• David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• 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.
• Danny O’Brien criticises ongoing social housing maintenance delays leaving vulnerable Gippslanders waiting far too long
  Danny O’Brien warns ongoing delays in social housing maintenance leave vulnerable Gippslanders waiting months, highlighting a vacant Foster property and urging timely repairs and better decision-making to address shortages.
• Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650M Delburn wind farm investment ignoring local community concerns
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650 million Delburn wind farm investment, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money that ignores local community concerns about fire, noise, and visual impact.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing and socially affordable homes, warns Cr Nathan Hersey
  One Gippsland warns Gippsland’s growth risks stalling without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, and social housing to support workforce, industries, and rapidly growing communities across the region.
• 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.
• Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
  Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season.
• Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s road funding, citing Gippsland highways’ ongoing underinvestment and worsening pothole backlog
  Danny O’Brien says Labor’s $1.04 billion roads blitz exposes a large pothole backlog, highlighting years of underinvestment and ongoing deterioration of Gippsland’s regional road network.
• 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 criticises Labor’s wind farm approval, saying regional voices are being ignored
  Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s approval of the Gelliondale Wind Farm, saying regional concerns were ignored and calling for restored appeal rights and fairer planning protections.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• 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.
• Tim Bull calls for State Budget investment in Gippsland East health, police, roads and community infrastructure amid rising debt concerns
  Tim Bull has called for the State Budget to deliver key Gippsland East investments in health, police, fire services, roads, and community infrastructure amid rising Victorian debt.
• Omeo tourism report and investment prospectus highlight opportunities for growth and visitor experiences
  The newly released Omeo Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Investment Prospectus highlight opportunities for investors, showcasing growth potential in hospitality, services, visitor experiences, and adventure tourism in Victoria’s alpine region.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor over bushfire response, fuel reduction shortfalls and fire preparedness failures
  Melina Bath criticises the Allan Labor government for downplaying Victoria’s bushfire risk, citing large areas burned, low fuel reduction, and concerns over firefighting preparedness and transparency.
• Peri-urban councils warn Gippsland housing crisis threatens productivity and federal economic ambitions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria warns soaring prices and falling approvals are hurting productivity, urging federal and state governments to fund infrastructure reforms to unlock peri-urban housing supply and ease affordability pressures.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor for leaving Gippsland commuters on outdated paper tickets, delaying Myki upgrades until 2028
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor for leaving Gippsland commuters on outdated paper tickets, with Myki upgrades delayed until 2028, causing frustration, inconvenience, and barriers for regional public transport users.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes.
• Committee for Gippsland hosts investment briefing with Victoria’s Coordinator-General Donna Findlay in Warragul
  The Committee for Gippsland hosted Victoria’s Investment Coordinator-General Donna Findlay in Warragul, discussing minerals, data centres, and strategies to attract private investment and boost regional economic growth.
• 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.
• Martin Cameron criticises Labor for reducing Hazelwood Road speed limit instead of repairing dangerous regional road conditions
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor for reducing Hazelwood Road’s speed limit instead of repairing its deteriorating surface, calling for urgent action to improve regional road safety.
• 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.
• Tim Bull criticises delays upgrading Gippsland rail infrastructure supporting Bairnsdale freight terminal and heavy haulage rail access
  Tim Bull says missing rail upgrades are preventing heavy freight access to Bairnsdale’s Fenning Intermodal Freight Terminal, despite the Victorian government’s 2022 investment to restore rail freight services.
• Melina Bath criticises Allan government over poor safety ratings on Eastern Victoria roads
  Melina Bath criticises Allan government after AusRAP reveals most eastern Victoria roads rated one or two stars, highlighting neglect, poor maintenance, and increased risk of serious injury or fatalities.
• 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 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.
• Martin Cameron criticises WorkSafe, calling system flawed after apprentice Byron Foley’s catastrophic injury
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Victoria’s "fundamentally broken" WorkSafe system, highlighting apprentice Byron Foley’s catastrophic injury, ongoing struggles, and calling for urgent reform, fairer compensation, and better support services.
• 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.
• 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 criticises sudden last-minute VLine reductions from six to three carriages, causing tension due to limited rolling stock
  Victorian country train passengers are forced to stand up to four hours after last-minute carriage cuts, with MP Tim Bull urging PSOs and additional services to protect booked seating.
• Martin Cameron criticises continued delay of Bank Street Traralgon traffic lights safety upgrade
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises repeated delays to Bank Street Traralgon traffic lights, highlighting safety risks for nearly 20,000 daily users and urging urgent government action.
• 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 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.
• 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
• Committee for Gippsland welcomed Hon David Davis MP to meet local stakeholders and business leaders
  Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits.
• Invest Bass Coast Forum with key speaker David Robertson to be held at RACV Inverloch Resort on 24 April 2026
  Bass Coast Shire will host the Invest Bass Coast Forum on April 24, connecting investors and industry leaders to explore market trends, regional growth, development opportunities and economic outlook.
• Auditor-General report criticises Victoria’s timber shutdown, citing job losses, insecure work and failed transition planning
  Auditor-General report criticises Victoria’s native timber shutdown, highlighting failed transition, job insecurity, and ongoing regional economic harm under the Allan government’s policy.
• Martin Cameron criticises Labor government over delayed Morwell sobering-up facility, broken promises and lack of ministerial accountability
  Martin Cameron criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to deliver the promised Morwell sobering-up facility, ignoring repeated parliamentary questions, leaving the Latrobe Valley without adequate public intoxication support.
• 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.
• Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s ensured failure by hastening coal plant closures without planning baseload power replacements
  The Victorian Auditor-General warns a "disorderly energy transition" could cause power shortages, soaring prices, and job losses, with Labor’s accelerated coal closures and mismanaged renewable planning worsening the crisis.
• 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.
• Darren Chester welcomes $2.7M investment in cutting-edge MRI technology at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service
  A $2.7 million upgrade at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service includes Australia's first MRI unit of its kind, improving diagnosis accuracy, patient comfort, and access to affordable, high-quality local healthcare.
• 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.
• East Gippsland Shire Council adopts Homes for Everyone paper, addressing housing affordability with community-focused solutions and partnerships
  East Gippsland Council adopted the Homes for Everyone paper, outlining a clear, honest approach to housing affordability, partnering with government, agencies, and community to deliver practical, evidence-based solutions.
• Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson criticises delays, saying regional communities are neglected compared to metropolitan Melbourne
  Latrobe City Mayor has criticised major delays to key road safety projects in Moe and Traralgon, saying regional communities are being left behind metropolitan Melbourne.
• Darren Chester raises concerns over gaps, inconsistencies in autism education after meeting worried local mother
  Darren Chester raised concerns about gaps in autism education after meeting Metung mother Lily Martyn, whose son George may miss specialist school due to strict IQ-based eligibility criteria.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• Melina Bath has raised concerns in Parliament about Emerald Secondary College closures and urged fire upgrades
  Melina Bath raises concerns over Emerald Secondary College closures during high fire danger days, urging Allan government to improve fire resilience and keep schools safely open, reducing learning disruption for students.
• Peri Urban Councils Victoria outlines Federal Budget priorities for housing, digital and transport infrastructure growth
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria Chair Moira Berry is available Tuesday 12 May to discuss budget priorities, including housing infrastructure, digital connectivity and transport solutions for fast-growing regional communities.
• Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to disclose Gippsland South public housing vacancies amid growing local housing crisis
  Danny O’Brien has urged the Allan Labor government to disclose how many public housing homes in Gippsland South are vacant, highlighting community frustration and the urgent need for transparency.
• Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior honoured for Warragul Station Park artwork celebrating culture, community and family legacy
  Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior's cockatoo design now features in Warragul Station Park, honouring Kurnai and Gunditjmara heritage, community ties, and his family legacy alongside uncle Lionel Rose's iconic statue.
• Latrobe Valley still waiting for Commonwealth Games Legacy Housing, four years after Labor promise
  Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis.
• Rising dog attacks concerns in East Gippsland highlight the need for responsible ownership and community safety
  East Gippsland has seen over 140 dog attacks last year, 31 this year. Council urges responsible ownership, leashing, and secure confinement to keep pets, people, and public spaces safe.
• Peri-Urban Councils warn residents stranded, demand urgent investment in reliable public transport infrastructure
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria warns fast-growing communities face car dependency due to poor public transport, urging government investment in reliable, frequent buses, better timetables, and long-term integrated transport planning.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• Labor Budget delivers cost-of-living relief and regional investment across Eastern Victoria’s services
  Labor’s Budget delivers cost-of-living relief and major investment across Eastern Victoria, including transport discounts, health and education funding, and improved regional infrastructure and services.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, advocacy, investment, and community-focused service delivery
  East Gippsland Shire Council has adopted its 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements in service delivery, infrastructure, advocacy, bushfire recovery, and community resilience while addressing cost-of-living and housing challenges.
• Victorian budget delivers cost of living relief, transport discounts, regional investment and services support
  Victorian Budget delivers cost-of-living relief, including rego discounts, cheaper transport, and major investments in health, education, regional infrastructure, and community services.
• One Gippsland welcomes Federal Budget priorities but says freight and renewable infrastructure investment was missed
  One Gippsland welcomes Federal Budget housing, cost-of-living and skills measures, but says lack of freight and renewable energy infrastructure investment overlooks Gippsland’s growth needs and future economic potential.
• Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
  Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government.
• Darren Chester tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
  Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities.
• Australia’s under-16 social media ban sparks digital ID, privacy and freedom concerns ahead of implementation
  Australia’s Under-16 social media ban will require age verification on major platforms, raising serious concerns about privacy, Digital ID rollout, and government surveillance disguised as online safety measures.
• Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
  Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL.
• Danny O’Brien says South Gippsland Highway receives constant patch-ups instead of proper, long-term investment
  Danny O’Brien criticises South Gippsland Highway constant patch-ups, highlighting 169 maintenance tasks since July, calling for proper investment and long-term repairs instead of short-term, wasteful fixes by the Labor government.
• Bass Coast Cultural Venues presents the 2026 Wonthaggi International Film Festival at The Union Theatre from 17- 19 April 2026
  Bass Coast Cultural Venues presents the 14th Wonthaggi International Film Festival this April, showcasing powerful international stories, special screenings, Q&A sessions, and celebrating community at The Union Theatre.
• Coalition vows scrapping Labor capital gains tax changes threatening farmers and agricultural investment
  The Coalition says it will repeal Labor’s capital gains tax changes, claiming they would unfairly target Australian farmers, discourage agricultural investment, and place added financial pressure on young farmers and regional communities.
• Danny O’Brien continues mobile office visits across Gippsland South, hearing local concerns and advocating
  Danny O’Brien has continued mobile office visits across Gippsland South, meeting residents in local towns to hear concerns about cost-of-living, roads, power reliability and community priorities.
• Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
  Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
• East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
  Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
• Thrilling aerobatics, military and heritage aircraft, live entertainment and family fun at the ANZAC Week Airshow in Sale, 18–19 April 2026
  Experience jaw-dropping aerobatics, military and heritage aircraft, live music, vintage fashion, family activities, and aviation career insights at the 2026 ANZAC Week Airshow, 18–19 April, West Sale Airport.
• Tim Bull calls for more train carriages and bus services to match free public transport amid overcrowding concerns on Gippsland routes
  Tim Bull is calling on the Victorian government to match free public transport with more trains and buses, addressing severe overcrowding and service capacity issues in Gippsland.
• 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.