Telemarketing and doorknocking changes

The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, is urging the public to be aware of new bans on telemarketing and doorknocking under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. Starting from 1 May 2024, unsolicited telemarketing calls related to the VEU program were made prohibited, followed by a ban on doorknocking from 1 August 2024. These…

Ag show recognition needs upgrade

The Nationals will continue to fight for much-loved Agricultural Shows amid a concerning funding freeze. Our Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, has revealed the extent of the problem. Despite rising inflation, the Agriculture and Pastoral Society Grants Program has remained stagnant this year at $300,000 in total funding, with a $10,000…

Roads crumble as funding drops further

As Victoria’s road network continues to crumble, new data has revealed funding for road resurfacing work has dropped to a five-year low. Figures provided to State Parliament show that the money spent on resurfacing and resealing contracts in the 2023/24 financial year was just 18 per cent of the previous year, dropping a staggering $163.8…

Firing up after Minister blow

The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, believes real action needs to be taken to support our firefighters in regional Victoria. The Mildura electorate, spanning over 37,000 km², faces some of the harshest weather conditions in the state. Despite promises, the Allan Labor Government has not delivered the necessary support to FRV and some CFA…

Big moves for a bigger community

The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, is delighted to announce that the Mildura Sikh Association has been awarded $400,000 in funding for critical infrastructure upgrades at the Gurudwara Singh Sabha in Mildura. The funding will be used for the internal fit out of the next stage of the Sikh Association Community Centre. These upgrades…

A push for action on crime amid key meetings

The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has again highlighted Mildura’s total criminal incidents are up 10.5 per cent. Increased criminal offences are among the highest in the state with youth crime, domestic violence and aggravated burglaries. Ms Benham engaged with numerous stakeholders who are directly involved in addressing crime and its impacts on our…

LTE – Buyback fightback continues

Dear Editor, The Federal Water Minister, Tanya Plibersek’s decision to issue tenders to buy out irrigation water entitlements from southern basin communities is nothing short of a disgrace. Despite a promise not to prioritise irrigation areas, the Albanese Labor Government has launched the ‘Voluntary Water Purchase Program’ this month, ie. water buybacks, and with ZERO…

We need answers from Minister on hospital

The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, knows that the healthcare you receive should not be determined by your postcode, however, that is exactly how the Allan Labor Government have made the local community feel. Documents leaked recently to major metropolitan newspapers show the Mildura Base Public Hospital has received a directive from the Government…