Media Highlights – 1 October 2023
Victoria’s state opposition has called for a reset of Government and a fair go for regional Victoria after the sudden resignation of Daniel Andrews and appointment of successor Jacinta Allan.
Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said
“While the premier may change, it’s still the same Labor government, and Victoria needs a change of direction.”
Member for Mildura Jade Benham said
“Jacinta Allan was the key minister behind the scrapped Commonwealth Games and the $30 billion of cost overruns on Victoria’s major projects. That hardly fills you with confidence.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath said
“I think rural and regional Victorians feel quite abandoned over the last eight years and I would ask that the new leader of the Labor Party put a focus back on rural and regional Victoria.”
Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said
“Victorians deserve a premier and a government that will do the right thing, that will return to the principles of good governance, and will represent all Victorians.”
Member for Morwell Martin Cameron said
“The Labor government needs to sit down and reset their thinking of and govern for all of Victoria. I think even rusted on Labor supporters down here in the Valley were starting to wonder what was going on and shake their heads with disbelief because we just didn’t seem to get anything from the government down here.”
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said
“Daniel Andrews spent his nine years taking out loans in the names of our children and has now left them to pay it — that is his legacy.”
The aftermath of last year’s floods continues to concern residents forced to drive on our damaged roads. The stretch down Echuca Road near the old Coles Supermarket resembles a cheese grater more than a busy road leading into Mooroopna and Shepparton.
Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe said
“Locals have major concerns about the state of the roads, which is making driving more dangerous for the entire community. Many of those who presented to the hearing raised their concerns with the appalling and unsafe conditions of our roads, including the dangerous potholes that are putting more lives at risk.”
Farmers with an accommodation side hustle say a new state tax will place an unintended dampener on regional tourism.
Now-former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews last week announced a new 7.5 per cent levy on short-stay rental providers such as Airbnb.
But some regional Victorians say the statewide charge would hit regions, regardless of rental availability.
Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said
“This is a case of one rule for all that doesn’t fit local circumstances. Farmers have established short-stay accommodation sites that were never intended for long-term rent and wouldn’t attract interest from the rental market, even if they were listed.”