Premier for Melbourne snubs Regional Victoria

ONCE again Daniel Andrews and Labor have snubbed regional Victorians by voting down a motion that would have seen a regional sitting of parliament in Shepparton next year.

Regional sittings are an opportunity for communities outside of Melbourne to see the Parliament in action and for city MPs to experience country issues.

Earlier this year, the Liberal Nationals announced if elected, communities in Regional Victoria would host Victorian Parliament for the first time since 2012.

The plan would see Mildura, Shepparton, Warrnambool and the Latrobe Valley host parliamentarians from one chamber of Parliament – either the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council – for one sitting week each.

Daniel Andrews has shown he simply doesn’t care for regional Victoria. He fights against regional bus owners, he fights CFA volunteers, he cuts country roads funding and now he pretends Shepparton doesn’t exsist.

Comments attributable to Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy:

“You can’t fix country Victoria’s challenges from behind a desk in Spring Street. Labor scrapped Regional Parliament; the Liberal Nationals will bring them back.

“I am committed to representing all Victorians, not just those in Melbourne.”

Comments attributable to Leader of The Nationals, Peter Walsh:

“Daniel Andrews continues to reinforce the fact he’s the Premier for Melbourne, rather than giving country school kids a chance to see Parliament in their home town.

“Regional Victorians are sick of getting a raw deal from Daniel Andrews and his city-centric Labor Government.”

Comments attributable to Liberal Candidate for Shepparton, Cheryl Hammer:

“Regional sittings are an opportunity for members of the public, schools groups and councils who may find it difficult to visit Parliament in Melbourne to attend and participate in the running and function of parliament.”

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