Regional Victoria can’t run on reassurances

The Nationals' Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has told Parliament that regional Victoria is in crisis.

The Allan Labor Government is failing communities with inaction, dishonesty, and a lack of leadership. Transparency is ignored, public confidence is dwindling, and regional communities are being left in the dark.

"Farmers, workers, and families are facing real crises, putting lives and livelihoods at risk."

Secrecy and evasion are evident across major projects, including the CFMEU and the Big Build, the Suburban Rail Loop, and the abandoned Commonwealth Games.

"This isn't just poor governance, it is a pattern, and it is completely unacceptable. Victorians deserve better."

The most immediate concern in the Mildura electorate is the worsening fuel crisis.

"Communities are running out of fuel, yet the Premier has the audacity to call this situation 'alarmist'. Gaslighting and deflection are not signs of leadership. Regional communities can't function without certainty. Farmers can't harvest crops with a press release, and a regional economy can't run on reassurances."

Crushing pressures on farmers continue, including extreme weather, soaring water costs, and costly regulatory audits.

"I've been contacted by growers at their wits' end. Everything seems to be going against them, yet the Government treats them with contempt when all they want is to be heard and know that their problems are understood."

Ms Benham also warned that the Government's inaction is taking a toll on mental health in regional communities.