The Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has been appointed to the Legislative Assembly’s Legal and Social Issues Committee (LSIC).
The LSIC can examine any matters related to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Heath, Justice and Community Safety and Premier and Cabinet.
Alongside Ms Cleeland’s position as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health, her appointment will provide a strong voice for regional Victoria on important inquiries.
“The Andrews Government has the majority and the ability to form inquiries in the Lower House. It’s crucial we challenge their city centric views,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Alongside the Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish, we will be ensuring inquiry recommendations aren’t made without considerable input from regional voices.”
Ms Cleeland is hopeful the Andrews Government would establish inquiries to tackle big issues facing regional Victoria.
“The Legal and Social Issues committee oversees housing, health and justice. There are huge issues facing these departments that need to be urgently actioned,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We’ve got social housing waitlists blowing out, courts incredibly gridlocked and a health system in crisis.
“While this government shuns oversight and transparency it is crucial parliamentary committees are used to drive important reform to improve the health and wellbeing of Victorians.”
Ms Cleeland said the Upper House’s establishment of an inquiry into the October floods showed how parliamentary committees can address important issues facing Victoria.
“With the government a minority in the Upper House, the Coalition and crossbench can join forces to examine important issues and make strong recommendations to government,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I will be pushing the government to establish inquiries that will have a clear purpose and support improved outcomes for regional Victorians.”
