Concern over varroa mite protocols as beehive migration commences in Victoria

In light of Australia’s largest livestock migration, which involves approximately 360,000 beehives traveling to almond orchards in the north-west of Victoria, concerns have been raised regarding the measures and protocols in place for a potential varroa mite outbreak. The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has directed an urgent question to the Minister for Agriculture,…

Wild dogs survey while livestock left to die

The Nationals are calling on producers to make their voices heard on wild dog issues. It comes after the government revoked an unprotection order on wild dogs in the north-west of the state in March 2024 without consultation and with only a few hours’ notice. The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, said since the…

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…