The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has told Parliament Victorians are living through the consequences of a government that has “lost control of the finances.”
Speaking in Parliament, she said Victorians were feeling the impact of rising debt and worsening conditions across everyday services, with no corresponding improvement in outcomes.
“It’s in their power bills, it’s on the crumbling roads they’re driving on, it’s in the taxes that keep going up, and it’s in a health system that can’t keep up.”
Ms Benham said regional Victoria was being treated as a revenue source rather than a priority, with communities bearing the burden of decisions made in Melbourne.
“Victorians are right to question what they are getting in return for higher costs and worsening conditions.
“It’s not confidence, it’s not trust in government, it’s not affordability, and it is certainly not honesty.”
Ms Benham said pressure on the Mildura Base Public Hospital was a clear example of the strain on regional services, with long-promised upgrades still not delivered.
“The hospital services a massive catchment, yet the emergency department is under constant pressure and promised upgrades are nowhere to be seen.”
Ms Benham said confidence in regional economies was weakening, with businesses, households and investors all feeling the impact.
“Businesses are pulling back, landlords are exiting the market and workforce shortages are getting worse because housing simply is not there.
“This is what happens when regional Victoria is treated as an ATM, constantly drawn on but never properly invested back into.”
