The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has strongly criticised the continued delays in reimbursements under the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS), calling the situation “unacceptable.” The VPTAS is designed to reimburse rural Victorians for accommodation and travel expenses incurred when they travel over 100 kilometres one way for specialist medical care. However, Ms…
As Victoria scrambles to address skills shortages across sectors as diverse as construction and healthcare, the Allan Labor Government has made another callous cut to crucial training funding. Vital Skills First funding has been slashed from Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) with the axing of the 10 per cent funding premium set aside for students to…
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham has issued a reminder to local residents to make fire preparation a priority this summer. “With our region’s hot, dry summer, it’s vital that everyone takes steps to protect themselves, their families, and their properties from the risk of bushfires and grassfires,” Ms Benham said. “That means proper…
The Nationals Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has criticised the Allan Labor Government’s plan to create Local Health Service Networks, bringing Mildura Public Hospital, Mallee Track Health and Community Services & Robinvale District Health under the Loddon Mallee Network, whilst grouping East Wimmera Health & Rural Northwest Health with Grampians. “Labor claims this will improve…
Victorians are being encouraged to highlight the worst potholes in the state through a new campaign to apply more pressure on the Allan Labor Government to fix our appalling roads. The Nationals and Liberals have launched a statewide photo competition, with the best (or worst) potholes to feature in a 2025 “Potholes for All Seasons”…
Friday, 20 December 2024 Manangatang P-12 receives $20,000 Grant Manangatang P-12 College has received $20,000 in funding from VicHealth’s Growing Healthy Communities grant program to assist in their creation of “The Harvest Hub.” Focused on preventing chronic disease and promoting good health, the VicHealth grant aims to create better, fairer health outcomes for young Victorians…
Crime Statistics released today show an increase in recorded crime within the Mildura Local Government Area. Data from the independent Crime Statistics Agency for the year ending 30 September 2024 has shown total recorded criminal incidents in the Mildura Local Government Area rising to record highs with 6317 recorded incidents, including: 439 residential burglaries 154…
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has expressed concern over the Allan Labor Government’s decision to support the recommended establishment of a Loddon Mallee Network to oversee healthcare services in the region. Ms Benham requested an update from the Minister for Health on the looming move, and received the following non-committal response: “The Expert…
Victorians are struggling to pay Labor’s highest-in-the-nation property taxes on time, as new figures confirm that more than one-in-three unpaid land tax bills are more than 12 months overdue. The Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) 2023-24 annual report confirms 33.45 per cent of overdue debt – that is, unpaid tax bills are more than…
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has condemned the Allan Labor Government’s decision to increase the Fire Services Levy with its re-branded Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, as it delivers yet another blow to Victoria’s ratepayers. Premier Allan today announced that Victorian property owners will be hit with a doubling of the Fire Services…