Working for Beaufort and the Pyrenees
It was a pleasure to welcome Megan Read as the Liberal Party’s candidate for Ripon recently.
I’ve known Megan for many years and have seen firsthand her commitment to our local communities. Born in Creswick, raised in Ballarat and now living on her family’s farm near Beaufort with her husband Warwick and their four children, Megan understands regional Victoria because she lives it every day.
Over the past 25 years, she has built businesses, raised a family and given back through countless hours of volunteering. She has been a strong advocate for landholders affected by the rollout of renewable energy infrastructure, supported families during the Streatham-Skipton bushfire recovery, and worked tirelessly for local schools, sporting clubs and community organisations.
More recently, she has been leading the fight against Labor’s grossly unfair Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy.
Megan won’t be learning about the issues facing Ripon after she’s elected, she’s already been fighting for local people. I know she has the energy, practical experience and determination to be an outstanding local representative who will stand up for our communities and ensure regional Victoria has a strong voice.
After years of Labor neglect, Ripon deserves a representative who understands our region and is prepared to fight for it every day. I look forward to working with Megan to deliver better roads, stronger local services and greater opportunities for western Victoria.
I’ve launched a Small Business Survey and encourage every business owner to take a few minutes to complete it by visiting: http://lbr.al/jnx8
With rising costs, high interest rates, increasing energy bills and growing red tape, Labor’s proposed new taxes on small business will only make it harder for the people who create jobs, invest in our communities and ensure our regional towns continue to thrive.
Your feedback will help me continue fighting for practical policies that back local enterprise and reduce unnecessary burdens on small businesses.
Earlier this month I held a Listening Post in Beaufort where I spoke with local residents about the issues affecting them most.
The message was clear. Families are continuing to struggle with the cost of living, while the deteriorating condition of our local roads is becoming an increasing source of frustration and concern.
Whether it’s the weekly grocery bill, electricity prices or the cost of filling up the car, people are finding it harder to make ends meet. At the same time, roads riddled with potholes are making everyday travel less safe for local residents, farmers, school buses and freight operators.
These conversations help ensure I am taking your concerns directly to Canberra and can continue to advocate for the issues that matter most. When you next see my mobile office in Beaufort, please stop by and say hello. Hearing directly from local people is one of the most important parts of my job, and I always appreciate the opportunity to listen.
ENDS
Contact: Sandie Gustus M | 0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au
Published in the Pyrenees Advocate