Wednesday, 18 June 2025

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (09:39): I rise to express the growing frustration felt by many regional Victorians who believe this Labor government is increasingly out of touch with communities outside Melbourne. Whether it is the planned VNI West transmission project that threatens to carve through prime agricultural land or the Cooba solar factory proceeding despite minimal community consultation and widespread local opposition, rural people are being left out of decisions that directly affect their lives and livelihoods. The voices of country communities are being ignored, and it is clear that many feel they are being forgotten. I remind the Premier of the words she delivered in her maiden speech to this Parliament on 3 November 1999. She said:

I believe strongly in the role and rights of the community in the decision-making process. However, for community members to play a role we as legislators must ensure that they have the opportunity to participate …

… the best decisions are made after members of the community have had the opportunity to participate and had their ideas and concerns listened to and given due recognition.

Premier Allan made a commitment that day to represent regional voices. But after 25 years in this place and now leading the government, many of her own constituents feel abandoned. It is time to return to that original promise to govern for the whole of the state, not just Melbourne. Regional communities deserve to be heard, respected and properly represented in the decisions that affect their daily lives.