Thursday, 19 June 2025

Western Victoria Region

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:59): (1668) My question for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety concerns the absurd fine imposed on my constituent, Condah farmer Graham Thomson, by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. Mr Thomson was fined $398 for carrying two bales of hay just 600 metres to help a drought-stricken neighbour. He used his tractor forks, checked for traffic and posed no safety risk, yet was penalised for not restraining the load. This happened during one of Victoria’s worst droughts, on the same day as a farmer mental health day at the local pub. The idea every bale must be put on a truck to be transported any distance whatsoever is ridiculous. Minister, you oversee the NHVR – will you lobby your federal counterpart to have this case reviewed and push for more flexible, commonsense enforcement, especially in times of drought, so we can support our farmers rather than punishing them for helping their neighbours?