A CAMPAIGN that aims to combine parts of regional Victoria, including Mildura, with southern areas of NSW to form a separate state continues along the border regions this week.
Liberal Democrats Member for Northern Victoria Tim Quilty is the architect behind the scheme that would see regions including Mildura, Bendigo, Ballarat and Shepparton break away from Victoria to join the regional NSW municipalities as a separate entity.
The Rexit (Regional exit) campaign continues on Thursday in Wodonga where Mr Quilty said he would detail how the creation of a new state would benefit all of regional Victoria.
“City-focused governments have historically ignored the regions, but the past 12 months of COVID restrictions and the damage they cause — border closures, snap lockdowns, job losses, wellbeing problems — have highlighted we need to go it alone,” Mr Quilty said in a Facebook post.
The Liberal Democrats MP told State Parliament last month the recent five-day lockdown was “another dazzling display of our Premier’s disregard for regional Victorians”.
“Every week I come here this government gives northern Victorians a new reason for Rexit,” he said.
“The most shameful thing about this lockdown is the complete disregard for regional Victorians.”
Mr Quilty said the government had shown contempt for regional Victoria.
“When we make our new state, you should not be surprised,” he said.
“This government’s incompetence continues to blight our life in regional Victoria.
“You make the case for Rexit — for a regional exit — and a new state composed of northern Victoria and southern New South Wales far better than I ever can.
“We long for the day when we can leave you to your mismanagement and be at our own destiny along the banks of the Murray.”
Mr Quilty said the name of the new state had yet to be decided.
“My suggestion is Murray or Murray Darling, but we do know the opportunity for Rexit presents the greatest potential shot in the arm for regional Australia since Federation,” he said.
“From a tin-shed parliament on the banks of the Murray we will chart a new course for the people of the regions.”
