The Nationals called on the Victorian State Government to host a Parliament sitting in one of regional Victoria’s many flood-affected towns.
The motion, introduced by Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh and supported in the house by Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, was knocked back by the Labor Government which claimed it was doing enough for regional communities.
Ms Cleeland said it was imperative the Government showed regional Victorians the respect and support they deserve.
“Our regional Victorians are feeling ignored by this Government, and I agree with them,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Having Parliament sit in one of these towns, with members from both sides of the aisle present, would show that this Government actually cares about these communities.
“It was disheartening to hear that Labor boast about all the work they do for regional communities while not mentioning a single flood-affected town during their debates.”
The impact of the October 2022 Floods is still being felt across several regional towns, particularly those like Nagambie, Seymour, Euroa, Shepparton and Murchison.
“The October floods have had a lasting impact on so many regional communities like Nagambie and Seymour, and the support these towns have received from Labor has not been good enough.
“The economic viability of these towns relies on industries such as tourism and agriculture, both of which have been severely affected by last year’s floods.
“I regularly get calls to my office saying that their flood recovery payments have not been approved, with many unable to even get a response to an email or a phone call back.
“The Government’s support of these communities has been insufficient and is representative of their callous indifference to regional Victoria.”
