Millions in Government advertising must be re-directed into creating mobile vaccine and testing hubs

The Victorian Liberal Nationals are today calling for new mobile vaccine and testing hubs across key holiday hotspots to ensure Victorians can enjoy a relaxing break and continue to keep themselves and the community safe.

Despite vaccination and testing being key to Victoria remaining safe and open, over recent weeks, Victorians have experienced significant and unacceptable testing delays and fewer options to get a booster vaccination. 

Victorians seeking to travel to be with loved ones over the summer period or getting a test as required have faced a farcical system that has regularly turned people away before even opening for the day, while sadly meaning many Victorians are isolated over a time that should be enjoyable.

Furthermore, state run vaccination hubs such as at the Royal Exhibition Building have been shut for almost two-weeks over the Christmas and New Year period, despite hundreds of thousands of Victorians now eligible for a booster shot.

Whilst these issues keep families apart and upend summer plans, the Andrews Labor Government continues to spend millions of taxpayer dollars advertising major infrastructure projects that are billions over budget and years late.

The recent Victorian Department of Transport Annual Report confirms that across 2020-21 more than $7.7 million was spent to promote Daniel Andrews’ blown-out major projects, including; 

• “Victoria’s Big Build” – $2,327,744 
• Metro Tunnel, Regional Rail Revival and Sunbury Line Update – $1,562,939 
• Level Crossing Removal Project – $1,849,965
• North East Link Project – $1,428,548
• West Gate Tunnel Project – $560,254

Therefore, the Liberal Nationals are calling for the Andrews Labor Government immediately re-direct this advertising expenditure to deliver new mobile vaccine and testing hubs at key locations throughout the summer period. 

The sooner Victorians get a booster or test when they need it the sooner families, businesses and communities can continue to recover, rebuild and get on with their lives. 

Daniel Andrews must immediately cease self-promoting projects that are late and costing taxpayers billions more than planned, and re-direct that funding into rolling out mobile vaccine and testing hubs across the state. 

“With testing centres in chaos and vax hubs closed, Victorians aren’t getting the summer to recover they deserve. 

“The state government must prioritise funding towards getting Victorians the vaccinations and tests they need, when they need it, not for wasteful government advertising.

“Mobile hubs can quickly and easily support communities where demand is highest and help keep us open and safe. 

“Government spruiking of blown-out projects is not the priority, getting Victorians tested and vaccinated is.”

Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy