Tuesday, 4 March 2025

 Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:14): (823) My question is for the Minister for Regional Development. Two weeks ago 150 of western Victoria’s most influential leaders and stakeholders gathered in Ararat to discuss the future of our area. This was not just any meeting but a significant milestone: the first time all 11 local government areas – CEOs, mayors and councillors – had come together, joined by key representatives from the Victorian government, including the DEECA leadership team. At the helm was Stuart Benjamin, the well-regarded and long-serving chair of Regional Development Australia Grampians, who has dedicated 13 years to unpaid advocacy for our region. Minister, why did you sack Mr Benjamin?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:15): Thank you, Mrs McArthur. It is great to hear that there was a gathering of regional development leaders in Ararat. I am very pleased to hear any feedback that you might like to bring to my attention in the portfolio of regional development, but the answer to the question that you have put is: I did not.

 Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:15): Well, Minister, it is notable that there has been no media statement about Mr Benjamin’s removal, given that you actually reappointed all other chairs of Regional Development, and no words of thanks for his years of service. In fact the website still lists him as chair of the organisation. If there is nothing remarkable in his departure, why is it being kept secret?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:16): Mrs McArthur, in relation to the body that you refer to, that is a Commonwealth government appointment of the chair, and the decision on the chair is for the federal minister; they appoint them. I understand that Mr Benjamin has many years of service – 13 years of service. Quite regularly that is time for the opportunity for a new leader. It is not to not recognise the significant contribution that an individual has made, but 10 or 13 years is often about the time when people change. I thank Mr Benjamin for his service. I am sure that he will continue to make a contribution to his region, but when you assert that the Minister for Regional Development in Victoria has made an active decision that you have presented, your facts are incorrect.