As we eagerly anticipate the forthcoming announcement of the State Budget on Tuesday, it is imperative that we underscore the urgent need for equitable distribution of resources to regional Victorians.
It is time for the Allan Labor government to exhibit not only fiscal responsibility but also a commitment to fairness, ensuring that our regional communities receive their rightful share of the budgetary allocation.
Despite comprising a significant 25 per cent of Victoria’s population, regional Victoria received a mere 13 percent of new infrastructure in last year’s budget – a glaring discrepancy that cannot be ignored.
This neglect is further exacerbated by the alarming financial statistics that paint a distressing picture of our state’s economic health.
Victoria bears the burden of being the highest taxed state in the nation, coupled with the staggering weight of the highest debt load.
Shockingly, the Labor Government expends a staggering $15 million each day to service this debt – a figure that boggles the mind when one considers the potential transformative impact this sum could have on regional communities in the Mildura electorate.
The frustration and disillusionment among regional Victorians are palpable, stemming from years of neglect, broken promises, and a systemic pattern of overlooking our needs.
The repercussions of this neglect are evident in the pressing issues confronting our communities, from the escalating cost of living to the dire housing crisis and the deplorable state of our road network.
Critical local projects, including essential upgrades to the emergency department at Mildura Base Public Hospital and crucial road safety infrastructure, continue to languish on the sidelines due to the government’s failure to prioritise regional development.
The consequences of this inaction are dire, with vital services such as police, ambulance, education, and healthcare facing further underinvestment and cuts.
It is abundantly clear that the Allan Labor Government’s misplaced priorities have come at the expense of regional Victoria’s prosperity and well-being.
While exorbitant sums are allocated to city projects like the Suburban Rail Loop, essential infrastructure in regional areas remains neglected and in disrepair.
As we stand on the precipice of yet another budget announcement, it is incumbent upon the Government to heed the calls for fairness, equity, and genuine investment in regional Victoria.
The time for rhetoric and empty promises has long passed.
Regional Victorians deserve more than mere lip service – they deserve tangible action and a commitment to rectifying years of neglect and disparity.
Jade Benham MP
The Nationals Member for Mildura
