Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (10:10): Rural and regional Victorians are palpably angry. They know that they need a fresh start and that that fresh start will come with a plan from the Wilson and O’Brien led government after 28 November. They know that this government is old and tired, has mired our state in debt and has burdened us with taxes borne by rural and regional Victorians and businesses. They know that our rural hospitals are under stress, they know that many of them are decaying and they know that they have been neglected. Our roads are in a decrepit state; they are like goat tracks. Rural and regional Victorians know that crime in our streets is far too high. Carjacking is high, youth crime is high and this government has failed to address the fundamentals of protecting our communities. They also know that the CFA has been neglected, underfunded and disrespected, and our volunteers understand this. Our position is that we are going to stop the waste, end the corruption, build safer roads and build stronger and safer, vibrant communities. I would like to be part of that team, and I thank all of my electorate of Eastern Victoria for the opportunity to go again and cross the benches.