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Martin Cameron criticises Jacinta Allan and Labor as after 10 years of governance Gippsland faces crisis across all fronts

After a decade under Jacinta Allan and Labor, Victoria faces rising unemployment, failing infrastructure, youth crime, a housing crisis, and economic mismanagement, leaving regional areas like the Latrobe Valley increasingly disadvantaged.

By news@gippsland - 8th January 2025 - Back to News

After 10 years of Jacinta Allan and Labor, Victorians have never been worse off. For the last decade, Jacinta Allan has held senior positions in the Victorian Labor government, and she has consistently failed to deliver on her commitments to Victorians. The Nationals' Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, said on almost every key performance indicator Labor has allowed Victoria to fall behind other states.

Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticising 10 years of Labor mismanagement has left Gippsland commuters with slower, less reliable trains, fewer seats, and constant disruptions

Valley left behind

Mr Cameron said, "The end of last year marked 10 years of Jacinta Allan and the Labor, and after reflecting on what the last decade has brought for the Latrobe Valley it's clear we are being left behind. I have compiled a report card for Jacinta Allan, and the marks are in - her Labor government has failed dismally to govern for regional Victoria, and particularly the Valley."

"Our roads are in ruins and crucial road safety projects have been shelved at the expense of spending on the Suburban Rail Loop and other blowout projects in metropolitan Melbourne. Our health system is broken and hospitals are struggling to provide even basic services, emergency departments are overwhelmed, and the ambulance system is in crisis."

"Our state is in the grips of a youth crime crisis, and criminal incidents committed by 10 to 17-year-olds in the Valley have risen 30% since Jacinta Allan became Premier. Our energy network is ailing, and Labor's half-baked revived State Electricity Commission will not deliver enough renewable energy to meet supply demand in time for the accelerated closure of our coal-fired power stations," he said.

Valley's critical challenges

Mr Cameron also said, "Our unemployment rate in Morwell is a staggering 13%, yet Labor has forged ahead with closures of the Maryvale white paper mill, the sustainable native timber industry, and soon our power stations. Our industries are being decimated and we are at a critical juncture where investment is needed urgently, but Jacinta Allan has sat on her hands and failed to shore-up the Valley's future."

"Our housing stocks are going backwards, despite a hollow promise that 80,000 homes would be built every year, and the Valley has actually lost 37 public housing properties since 2018. Our power prices, food costs, and insurances have all skyrocketed - thanks to a whopping 56 new or increased taxes and Labor's economic mismanagement. After 10 years of Labor, Victorians are worse off," Mr Cameron concluded.

View the full report at Report Card - 10 years of Jacinta Allan and Labor.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
  Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region.
• Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
  Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security.
• Raise a glass to Gippsland's finest wines, brews, spirits and ciders at 'Eat Drink Play'
  EAT DRINK PLAY Gippsland serves up local wines, brews, spirits, and ciders. Festival-goers can enjoy tastings, community vibes, and unique creations from some of Gippsland's best makers.
• Danny O'Brien celebrates Gippsland South schools receiving VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants to boost cooking and gardening education
  Danny O'Brien has congratulated five Gippsland South primary schools awarded VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants, supporting hands-on cooking, gardening, and healthy eating education to build students' lifelong skills, and sustainability awareness.
• Join South Gippsland Shire '16 Days of Activism' event with the theme 'Walk Against Family Violence' on
  Join Council's Walk Against Family Violence on 26 November in Leongatha. Wear orange, take part in the Respect photo pop-up, and support the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
• Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
  Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers.
• Darren Chester congratulates Infusa Distillery founders for showcasing Gippsland's produce, driving growth in local food and beverage industry
  Darren Chester congratulated Infusa Distillery founders Stu and Jo Taylor for their award-winning spirits, local partnerships, and contribution to Gippsland's food and beverage industry, praising their innovation, growth, and regional pride.
• Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out!
• 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 announces 2026 #lovegippsland calendar winners celebrating Gippsland’s iconic landscapes, towns, and natural beauty
  Darren Chester has announced the 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition winners, praising the exceptional entries that celebrate Gippsland’s beauty. Selected photographs will feature in 30,000 free calendars distributed across the region.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• 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.
• Entries close for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar showcasing iconic scenes across Gippsland
  Entries have closed for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar, with 344 stunning photos submitted capturing Gippsland's iconic landscapes. Winners will feature in the free 2026 calendar, distributed later this year.
• Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup.
• Join the conversation and help shape South Gippsland and other council projects, programs and initiatives
  Join the conversation this spring! Share your ideas on South Gippsland's future through community consultations, including Pre-Prep, Draft Plans, Governance Rules, and the 2026/27 Budget.
• Lightfoot Wines combines tradition, creativity, and Gippsland flavours with award-winning wines, regional platters, and scenic views
  Perched on a limestone bluff above the Mitchell River, Lightfoot Wines blends tradition and innovation, offering tastings, regional platters, and acclaimed wines, cementing its role in Gippsland's food and drink scene.
• Two weeks left to join Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition celebrating iconic Gippsland
  Two weeks remain to enter Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, celebrating Gippsland's landscapes and talent. Entries close October 3, with winners featured among 30,000 distributed calendars showcasing 'Iconic Gippsland'.
• 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.
• Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October.
• 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.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.
• 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.
• Cr Nathan Hersey elected as Mayor and Cr Brad Snell as Deputy Mayor for South Gippsland and other council updates
  Councillor Nathan Hersey was elected Mayor and Councillor Brad Snell Deputy Mayor of South Gippsland Shire for 12 months, marking Hersey’s second and Snell’s first term in these roles.
• 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.