The 2026/27 budget seals Jacinta Allan and Labor’s legacy as the most fiscally reckless government in Victoria’s history. This is a budget of higher debt, higher taxes, higher interest repayments, blowouts and delays and lacks any plan to grow our economy or provide meaningful support to Victorians. It is full of excuses and no solutions. The budget contradicts Premier…
The Allan Labor Government’s controversial 7.5 per cent Holiday and Tourism Tax took a major step forward in the Legislative Assembly, pushing the tax closer to becoming a reality. Under the Short Stay Levy Bill, short stay accommodation bookings made from 1 January 2025 will see a significant price hike, impacting vital accommodation options for…
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has called on the Allan Labor Government to provide important financial support to our rural Bush Nursing Centres (BNCs), which face an uncertain future. Woomelang and District BNC plays a critical role in their local communities, but most face significant financial challenges. “On top of their budget being…
The homelessness crisis in Mildura has reached alarming levels, with a 95.4 per cent increase in homeless individuals between 2016 and 2023, according to St Vincent de Paul Society president Mark Gaetani. The total number of homeless people in Mildura rose from 264 to 516, affecting 74 people per 10,000 compared to the state average…
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…
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…
New land tax thresholds introduced by the Allan Labor Government has seen many Mildura landholders receiving a land tax bill for the first time this year. However, Nationals Member for Mildura, Jade Benham is urging landholders to check their liability before paying, as reports of land tax bills being incorrectly issued to people, organisations and…
A Parliamentary inquiry into local government funding and services has kicked off this week, with residents and local councils encouraged to make submissions. Ms Benham said potential cost-shifting issues ranged from waste collection to school crossing attendants, and the repair of regional roads. The Committee will investigate local government funding and service delivery in Victoria,…
The Nationals Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, says the drastic reduction in health funding by the Allan Labor Government is deeply concerning for regional Victorians, who will inevitably pay the price for Premier Allan’s health cuts. Regional hospitals are under threat like never before, with the Allan Labor Government set to impose severe funding cuts,…
Jade Benham, Member for Mildura, has this week urged the Allan Labor Government to prioritise the inclusion of Mallee Family Care in the upcoming 24/25 State Budget. The critical need for support for young people in the region, particularly through the Education First Youth Foyer project is crucial. The Education First Youth Foyer initiative provides…