Repeal clears path to focus on housing

The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, says the Cladding Safety Victoria Repeal Bill 2026 marks an opportunity to refocus attention on one of the most pressing challenges facing regional Victoria: housing supply. Speaking in Parliament on the Bill, Ms Benham highlighted how the repeal could allow governments to focus on unlocking housing for communities…

Crime hits record high under Labor

The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, says Victorians are less safe than ever before, as new data confirms criminal offending has reached a record high under the Allan Labor Government. Independent Crime Statistics Agency data released today shows that in the 12 months to December 2025: A total of 630,592 crimes were committed –…

Letter to the Editor – R U OK? Day

Dear Sir, Thursday, September 11 marks R U OK? Day – an important reminder to check in with friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours. While it’s an important day to raise awareness, the message is clear: asking someone “Are you OK?” can make a real difference every day of the year. Mental health and suicide are…

Benham repeats call for funding to replace Murrayville memorial Bush Nursing Hospital roof

The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has questioned the Minister for Health Infrastructure in Parliament this week, urging her once again to urgently fund the replacement of the leaking roof at the Murrayville Memorial Bush Nursing Hospital. “Murrayville is a small, tight-knit farming community and they are incredibly proactive in looking after their own…

Letter to the Editor – Visit to Parliament House

Dear Sir, I was delighted to welcome local student, Blake Lee, to Parliament House recently. Blake is participating in the Parliament of Victoria’s youth writing program, Parliament Express, and interviewed me on how communities can contribute to legislative change, particularly in relation to renewable energy projects. We also discussed how I bring the voices of…

Labor’s transmission plan removes landholder property rights

The Nationals’ Member for Mildura Jade Benham has condemned the Allan Labor Government’s proposed National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025, warning it strips regional landholders of basic property rights. Under the Bill, authorised officers would be given extraordinary powers, including the use of force to enter farmland, the authority to cut…

Letter to the Editor – Sea Lake RSL Grant

Dear Sir, I would like to congratulate the Sea Lake RSL Sub-Branch on receiving a grant to assist with the revitalisation of their club rooms. This funding will help ensure the club rooms remain a welcoming and functional space for members to gather, host events, and continue their important work within the community. The Sea…

Letter to the Editor – La Trobe University Grant

Dear Sir, I would like to commend La Trobe University on the wonderful news they have secured funding to co-design a Heart Health Check Kit for rural Australians. This important initiative will enable individuals to monitor their heart health from home—an especially vital service in regions where access to cardiac care is limited. Championed by…

Cricket grant applications open

The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, is encouraging all local cricket clubs to apply for the grants available under the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF). The ACIF is funded by Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia to support community cricket facility projects, with a focus on growing participation and promoting greater access for all Victorians.…