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Answers needed on job cuts at Regional Development Victoria sought bt Melina Bath

Melina Bath questioned the Minister for Regional Development about job cuts at Regional Development Victoria. The Minister emphasised the dedication of the regional development team and listed various programs they administer.

By news@gippsland - 22nd February 2024 - Back to News

Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath's question is to the Western Victoria - Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development, Gayle Tierney, Why hasn't the government been honest and told regional Victorians how many positions have been abolished from Regional Development Victoria this year?

Melina Bath requests the minister to address the question on job cuts, additionally, besides the Tiny Towns Fund, and its programs

Regional commitment

Gayle Tierney said, "I am in a bit of a quandary as to exactly what is motivating Ms Bath in this question, because I can assure her that in terms of regional development there has never been such a committed, hardworking team as I have seen right across regional Victoria. Indeed right at this point in time everyone's entire families basically are affected by what has been happening in regional Victoria."

"Our regional development teams are actually part of the regional communities in which they live, so they are dealing with immediate problems. But they are also dealing with making sure that our regional Victorian communities are serviced well, that they have got the services they need and that they are gathering information we require in terms of coming up with the best possible place-based solutions to a range of issues that are confronting our regional communities at this particular time."

"While I am on my feet, can I also indicate my support and my thanks to our frontline people, who have been absolutely working around the clock ensuring that we have got the best protections in our communities," she said.

Position reduction inquiry

Melina Bath said, "On a point of order, President, I would like to ask the minister to actually answer the question I have asked about the number of positions abolished from regional Victoria." The President brings the minister back to the question.

Gayle Tierney said, "Again, it is a matter of being sensitive to the fact that we have got regional development staff that are working around the clock at the moment, Ms Bath. So I think your timing. This question is a bit outrageous, because services have not been reduced in regional Victoria."

"Not only that, we are expecting more from our staff in regional Victoria as we are confronting these horrific situations, whether they be the violent storms that we saw last week or indeed the fires at Pomonal. So again, I think you are being a little bit insensitive, and to be quite frank I am quite disappointed in the question that you have asked today of all days," she said.

RDV staff programs

Melina Bath asked the minister, "Minister, apart from the Tiny Towns Fund, what programs will RDV staff be administering?"

The President said, "I am a bit concerned how that is relevant to the substantive question. Ms Bath, do you mind repeating the supplementary question?"

Ms Bath said, "Apart from the Tiny Towns Fund, what programs will the RDV staff that are remaining in RDV be administering?"

The President said, "I am just a bit concerned that it has got a greater scope than the substantive, but I will call the minister to answer as she sees fit."

RDV programs update

Gayle Tierney said, " I thank Ms Bath for providing me with an opportunity to talk about the work that our staff in RDV are undertaking. Apart from dealing with the current situation that I dealt with in terms of answering the substantive question, the other major fund of $150 million is the worker accommodation fund, which has captured the serious interest of a range of employers, industries and councils."

"And that is because, as Ms Bath should know, there is a shortage of accommodation for workers in regional Victoria in particular. Applications are currently open in respect to that, as are applications for the small town fund, and of course there are monkeys that are for local councils in terms of the $25 million. All of this is part and parcel of the $2 billion regional investment package that we announced some time ago," she said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Future of Orbost Project supports farmers by clarifying water availability, facilitating licence transfers, and building resilience, driving innovation, productivity, diversification, and sustainable long-term growth in East Gippsland.
• Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development.
• Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
  Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events
• Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
  The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project.
• Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
  Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate.
• East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
  East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies.
• Darren Chester returns to Shadow Cabinet as Veterans’ Affairs Minister, advocating for ADF personnel, veterans and families
  Darren Chester returns as Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, pledging bipartisan support, accountability, and ongoing reforms to ensure timely, accessible assistance for Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families.
• 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 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.
• Latrobe City Council endorses Transition Reserve Policy to drive economic diversification, growth and long-term job creation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Transition Reserve Policy to support economic diversification, fund enabling infrastructure, attract new industries, and allocate future surpluses to drive long-term regional growth and jobs.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• 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.
• 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.
• Martin Cameron urges Labor government funding commitment on Latrobe Valley mental health unit urgently needing expansion
  The Nationals’ Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to urgently expand Latrobe Regional Health’s mental health unit, citing critically limited beds and growing demand for timely care in Gippsland.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 25 February 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council’s 25 February meeting approved a planning permit, endorsed the 2026‑2030 Economic Development Strategy, noted quarterly reports, submitted federal funding motions, and acknowledged a condolence motion.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Danny O’Brien says 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.
• 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.