Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Jade BENHAM (Mildura) (09:58): On the final day of the 60th Parliament I once again need to raise the condition of our roads, particularly the Calder Highway south of Sea Lake. On Wednesday night there was an accident on this stretch of road, and this is not the first, nor will it be the last if this is not urgently addressed. The condition of this highway is plain to see for anyone who, like me, travels it every single week. It is also plain to see that those of us in the great north-west of the state have not had our fair share over the last 12 years. The Calder is a vital link between Mildura and Melbourne. It carries freight that supports our economy, school buses carrying our children and local families going about their lives. They should not have to scan what is left of the bitumen while travelling at highway speeds. And, guess what, there is not even any signage warning of road hazards when you approach from the south. The culvert has completely collapsed, and it is invisible at night.

The Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Pothole Paul, must urgently make dangerous defects safe and tell the community when lasting repairs will be completed. Another bandaid will absolutely not be enough, and people will die. The Nationals have a plan. It is time for a fresh start, and it is time to let the Nationals eliminate potholes, bring back the country roads and bridges program and give regional Victorians their fair share, because we are sick of driving on what is left of the roads after 12 ‍years of Labor.

The SPEAKER: Just because it is the last day of sitting, it does not mean members can start calling people by their incorrect titles.