From my desk - with Federal MP Dan Tehan
Sheepvention – come and visit my stand
I’m looking forward to being at Sheepvention again this year. The sheep industry has been the backbone of western Victoria for over a hundred years and Sheepvention—one of the most significant rural events in the country—has been a cornerstone of the industry for more than four decades.
Please come and see me at stand 494. I want to know what issues you face, be they Federal and State assistance in the face of the worst drought we’ve seen in 100 years, Jacinta Allan’s delay tactics on the outrageous increase to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, cost of living concerns or any other matter.
I am conscious of the toll these issues are having on our farmers.
My stand forms part of the Wellness Trail where resources about farmer mental health and wellbeing are available. I will also participate in a panel discussion about mental health at the After Dark – Drought Relief Concert on Sunday night alongside musician Shannon Noll and Abbi Power of the Let’s Talk Foundation. All concert fundraising efforts will support Let's Talk and will go towards supporting our local farmers and rural communities through mental health education. I hope to see you there.
Wind farm plans for south of Hamilton
VicGrid, the government agency leading the planning of new energy infrastructure, recently ran a consultation on the draft 2025 proposed South West Renewable Energy Zone.
I followed up on the process and was told that feedback was "mixed." While some supported the transition to renewable energy, serious concerns were raised about how infrastructure will be decommissioned, the visual and environmental impact on local areas, potential divisions within communities, and growing doubts about the cost and reliability of renewables.
Consultation has now closed. It’s not clear how meaningfully the feedback will shape the outcome. Further opportunities to have your say are expected throughout 2025. When they come, I urge everyone to get involved because unless we speak up, decisions may be made without us.
Working with Children Check
We were all shocked by the recent reports of alleged abuse of children in childcare centres but sadly this is not the first time we have heard such reports.
Both Federal and State Governments need to do more to ensure the safety of children.
Sussan Ley, the Leader of the Opposition, told the National Press Club that children’s safety is above politics and pledged to always stand up for women and children.
Our education team, led by Jono Duniam, collaborated with the Government to ensure a swift and responsible assessment of legislation aimed at improving safety in childcare centres. As part of this effort, we advocated for new legislation that would deliver meaningful improvements in child safety and protection. Last week, new legislation was introduced in Parliament to strengthen safety standards in early education and care services.
This legislation will give the Government power to cut off funding to childcare centres that don’t meet the National Quality Standard when it comes to safety and quality, where there’s a breach of the law, or where centres are acting in a way that puts the safety of children at risk.
The legislation will also allow Commonwealth officers to perform spot-checks without warning to detect fraud and non-compliance across the sector.
The introduction of this new legislation is an important step forward in protecting our children.
We will closely monitor the Government’s response and will call on them to act further as necessary to keep our children safe.
ENDS
Published in the Hamilton Spectator
