Northern Victoria Region
Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:24): (1049) My question today is for the minister representing the Premier. Over the past months my constituents in Northern Victoria have been expressing their desire to be heard by this government, very loudly in some cases, on matters that deeply affect them. From the emergency services and volunteers levy to the VicGrid reforms, my constituents are very concerned with the direction this government is taking. All they want is a chance for their concerns and opinions to be heard. Premier, why won’t listen to the constituents in Northern Victoria on issues that are affecting them?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:25): Ms Tyrrell, I will pass your question to the Premier for direct response, but I would just comment that as a regional Victorian herself she is speaking regularly to members for Northern Victoria. She lives in a Northern Victoria electorate. I think you will get a response back about her numerous engagements with locals in Northern Victoria on a regular basis.
Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:25): I thank the minister for passing that on. This coming weekend, on 14 September, farmers, CFA volunteers and other concerned members of the community are planning to rally in the Premier’s own city of Bendigo. This is another desperate attempt by our communities to have their voices heard. Premier, will you accompany me to this rally in your home town of Bendigo and listen to their concerns, or is a business junket to China more important than your constituents?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:26): I reject the premise of the question and the way you have framed it, Ms Tyrrell. I would also probably point out, as a former agriculture minister, that the relationship with China is really, really important for country constituents, so to describe it as a business junket when it is actually integral to the economic prosperity of country Victorians I think shows a lack of respect for farmers in your regard. But I will pass on your question to the Premier.