The recent Australia Day celebrations at the Alexandra Oval Community Centre were a proud reflection of what makes Ararat Rural City such a special place to call home. It was a privilege to hear of the welcome given to our newest Australian citizens, and I congratulate each of them on taking this important step. They are now part of our community, and we are richer for it.
A record number of Australia Day Award recipients were also recognised, honouring years of volunteering, leadership, neighbourly care and tireless advocacy. I commend each of them for their community spirit. They are role models whose contributions strengthen our region and remind us of the power of service.
I followed through on the commitment I made to many constituents by voting against the gun reform legislation recently passed in Parliament, alongside my Coalition colleagues. Despite our opposition, the legislation passed with the support of the Greens.
While the laws are now federal, aspects of their enforcement will rely on cooperation from states and territories. I will be engaging with my state parliamentary colleagues to minimise the impact on farmers, recreational sporting shooters and hunters, who should not be unfairly penalised.
The recent fires in Skipton, Carranballac and Streatham caused devastating losses, with some families losing their homes. The response from local communities has been extraordinary. Neighbours opened their doors, councils worked closely with residents to provide immediate assistance, and emergency services, the CFA and volunteers worked tirelessly to protect lives and property.
Generous donations of goods and funds have helped families begin the long process of rebuilding and I am advocating strongly to ensure those impacted receive the federal support they need.
Victorians are beyond frustrated with the state of our roads. Recently, I joined motorcyclists from across Wannon who rode to Treasury Place to send a clear message to the Premier: fix existing road infrastructure. Across Western Victoria, deteriorating roads are putting lives at risk. This is simply unacceptable.
We invited the Premier to experience these roads firsthand. So far, there has been no response, but the fight to fix Victoria’s roads will not go away.
Roads are not the only reason Victorians deserve better. After more than a decade in office, the Labor Government has left the state with record net debt, soaring cost-of-living pressures, major project cost blowouts, rising youth crime, pressure on hospitals and ambulances, missed housing targets, overcrowded classrooms and a $55 million real-terms reduction in CFA funding since 2020.
Regional Victorians feel ignored. The upcoming state election is a critical opportunity to demand better, restore confidence in Victoria’s future and vote for real action on the issues that matter most.
Ends
Media contact: Sandie Gustus M |0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au
Published in the Ararat Advocate and the Pyrenees Advocate
