LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
Victorians have every right to be angry.
After more than a decade in office, the Allan Labor Government has left Victoria burdened by record debt, plagued by waste and mismanagement, and facing serious questions about integrity and accountability. While Victorians tighten their belts and regional communities continue to miss out on essential investment, Labor’s priorities seem increasingly disconnected from the needs of everyday people.
At a time when families are struggling with the rising cost of living and facing significant out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, reports that convicted criminals in Victorian prisons are being provided medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro at taxpayer expense have left many people questioning this government’s priorities. For many Victorians, it is yet another example of a government that has lost sight of who it should be putting first.
Victorians continue to ask legitimate questions about government spending, accountability and integrity, yet answers remain in short supply.
What frustrates regional Victorians even more is knowing that while billions of dollars have been wasted through Labor’s mismanagement, communities like ours continue to fight for the basics. We are still advocating for safer roads, stronger health services, improved water infrastructure, better emergency services and the investment needed to support growing regional communities.
Regional Victoria is too often treated as an afterthought.
The people of our region work hard, pay their taxes and contribute enormously to the state’s economy. They deserve their fair share of government investment, not to be left behind while Labor’s priorities lie elsewhere.
That’s why the Nationals and Liberals have committed to a 25 per cent Fair Share Guarantee. If 25 per cent of Victorians live in regional Victoria, then at least 25 per cent of infrastructure spending should be invested in regional Victoria. It’s a straightforward principle of fairness.
A Nationals and Liberals Government will provide real cost-of-living relief, restore integrity and ensure taxpayers’ money is spent where it is needed most. We will focus on delivering better roads, stronger healthcare, improved community infrastructure and real support for regional communities.
After more than a decade of Labor neglect, it’s time for a fresh start. We’ll stop the waste, end corruption and stop making Victorians pay for Labor’s mismanagement.
Warm regards,
Jade Benham MP
