13 May 2026
Letter to the Editor
The Allan Labor Government’s State Budget is a devastating disappointment for the Euroa electorate, and another sign Victoria is heading in the wrong direction.
I had hoped to see real investment and meaningful commitments for our region. Instead, across more than 12,000 square kilometres, the only identifiable regional investment is $365,000 for the Tomorrow Today Foundation in Benalla. While this is a valued organisation doing important work, it cannot be the sum of Labor’s vision for our communities.
There are no major road upgrades, no meaningful investment in regional health services, and no serious response to the growing pressures facing country families.
At the same time, Victoria’s debt is climbing towards $200 billion, with interest repayments now costing taxpayers around $11.8 billion a year, or roughly $1.35 million every hour.
That is money not being spent on roads, hospitals, schools or frontline services.
Families across regional Victoria are already feeling the strain through rising costs, worsening infrastructure and reduced services, yet this budget offers little confidence for the future.
Victoria cannot continue down a path of record debt without a plan to restore economic stability and deliver value for taxpayers.
The Nationals believe we need a long-term plan to secure Victoria’s economic future. One that restores financial discipline, invests fairly in regional communities, and focuses on essential services and productive infrastructure instead of endless bureaucracy and waste.
Regional Victoria deserves more than being treated as an afterthought.
I will continue fighting to ensure our communities receive the investment, services and recognition they deserve.
Annabelle Cleeland MP
Member for Euroa