The Allan Labor Government’s divisive VicGrid energy transmission legislation has passed Parliament with the support of crossbench MPs from the Greens, Cannabis Party and Animal Justice Party.
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, said the new laws give the government unprecedented powers that erode property rights, silence regional voices and undermine transparency.
“Jacinta Allan has now weaponised VicGrid into a cost-passing, land-grabbing energy enforcer, with the power to charge Victorians, acquire land, and override communities,” Ms Benham said.
“This is a government telling regional Victorians they no longer have control over their own land.”
Under the new laws, government-appointed operators can issue ‘special orders’ without consultation, cut locks, enter farms without consent and impose heavy fines if landholders refuse access.
“This is a real kick in the guts for country people, especially communities across the Wimmera Mallee who are already battling a lack of transparency from developers on energy and mining projects.
“Labor’s energy rollout has been plagued by delay, mismanagement and a complete lack of genuine engagement with rural communities.”
Ms Benham said The Nationals support renewable energy and transmission projects, but not at the expense of country people.
“We are not anti-renewables, but we are pro-farmers and pro-fairness.”
The Nationals have committed that, if elected in 2026, they will repeal Labor’s VicGrid legislation and restore landholder rights, including reinstating access to VCAT.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage its energy transition and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
