Melina Bath MP | Politician

Melina Bath MP

Phone: +61 3 5174 7066

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24.01.2022 One year ago I stood with haulage and harvest contractors as Daniel Andrews announced Labor’s shambolic plan to shut Victoria’s sustainable native timber industry by 2030. Labor’s decision to shut the native timber industry, will destroy thousands of jobs and an industry that delivers $7.32 billion through Victoria’s economy. Much of this damage will be inflicted in Gippsland.... Since that day I and my Nationals colleagues have fought fiercely to defend Victoria’s native timber industry and its workers. The Nationals and Liberals made a commitment to overturn Labor’s decision to shut the industry if elected in 2022. The Nationals will leave no stone unturned in our advocacy, strongly believing that both Victoria’s plantation and native timber industry are sustainable long into the future. This week I again took the opportunity in parliament to defend timber jobs and our outstanding locally manufactured timber products. The Nationals will keep fighting. You can read my contribution here: https://www.melinabath.com.au/native_timber_motion_november

23.01.2022 I am in love! Welcoming the return of our fabulous colleague Emma Kealy for Lowan back to Parliament with baby Ella. So good to see them both. #lovebabyella

23.01.2022 Where’s Latrobe Valley’s promised Drug Rehabilitation Centre? Three and half years ago Labor announced a residential drug rehabilitation centre for central Gippsland. Then 20 months ago, Labor announced a site and promised ‘comprehensive community consultation’.... Last week in state parliament I called on the Minister for Mental Health James Merlino to prioritising the centre and give community a timeline for its completion. Today all you see is an empty field - not one sod turned, not one brick laid, tragically not one client being treated. Today with Dr Len Cairns, a community drug advocate, I called for action. Over the past 12 months distressingly, central Gippsland has experienced a 33% increase in drug related offenses, overwhelmingly in drug possession and use, showing the desperate need to break addiction cycles through rehabilitation. It is extraordinary that the Andrews Labor Government think it’s acceptable to announce a facility and 3 years later leave the community in limbo. Local families struggling with drug addiction deserve much better than the bureaucratic go slow from the Andrews Labor Government. Drug and alcohol addictions create such pain and loss in our community, we need rehab facilities to break the cycle of addiction now and not in another couple of years’ time. (Gippsland PHN Alcohol and Drug: Family and Carer Support Service 1300 022 760)

21.01.2022 Where everyone would rather be! Regional Victorians, come visit East Gippsland. Drop a line in at Marlo and enjoy the local hospitality ... https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/

21.01.2022 Today’s Australian has an article worth reading. .... It outlines that respected scientists suggest that the models do not support the extreme lockdowns imposed [by the Andrews Government| and have been over-relied on by the government to make a political decision.... The professors say we urge the government to keep refining the models, perhaps build in considerations such as aged-care versus community, or rural versus metro, into future modelling. the models had not justified the political decisions the government had made. The Premier’s ‘roadmap’ decisions have, are, and will continue to cost Victorians dearly. Regional Vic’s ‘roadmap’ should be cleaved from Melbourne’s. Age-care stats should be isolated from community transmission & stats. Send the Premier a message: a vicn.at/MessageToDan https://www.theaustralian.com.au//5cf65533b11cce3ef23f3cfe

20.01.2022 Together with Traralgon residents, I’m seeking a new bus stop to improve safety for students living in the area of Dranes Road and Traralgon’s new housing estate, ‘The Rise’. Following upgrades to the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail and an assessment by VicRoads, the drain pipe bus shelter used by students was deemed unsuitable as the bus could no longer pull off the road at this location. VicRoads moved the stop 300 metres away, leaving students without shelter from the weather..., and now when the bus pulls off the road to stop, the children have to move back into a wet drain or long grass depending on the days weather conditions. Parents and students are understandably very unhappy with the new location and logistics of the new bus stop. Latrobe Valley Bus Lines has identified a suitable shelter for the new stop which meets safety specifications and a funding application has been submitted to Latrobe City Council for its installation. After discussing with LCC, and on behalf of the families, I’m looking forward to Council prioritising the project funding and fast track installation in time for the start of the 2021 school year.

20.01.2022 Any day is a perfect day to visit East Gippsland. A warm & gentle day for families to be out enjoying our glorious Gippsland Lakes. Fish & chips, listening to live swing music from the floating shed, birdwatching and stocking up on my favourite koala masks from Koalas of Raymond Island, Cath & Jane. We really live in the best place in the world. ... #lovegippsland #gippslandlakes #Paynesville

20.01.2022 Daniel Andrews and his crew have let us down badly We seem to be falling behind, I’ve lost total confidence in their ability to run this state Listen to Ross Considine, Principal Director of Considine & Johnson Builders Gippsland talk about how he has lost confidence in the Andrews Labor Government.... Regional communities have been decimated by the second lockdown and the Premier’s unfair roadmap despite case numbers staying very low. Small businesses provide jobs and they are the engine room of regional economy. Under Daniel Andrews they are suffering and are being strangled out of existance. If you too have lost confidence in the Andrews Labor Government - add you voice here www.noconfidence.com.au

19.01.2022 The latest version of my community update for COVID-19 covering restrictions, the road map and important industry and business information was emailed out last night It covers off on regional Victoria changes and the minor adjustments in the metropolitan Melbourne zone. You can download your copy here ... https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net//Eblast_17_September As we enter our first weekend with some easing of restrictions in Gippsland, have fun with your newly acquired freedoms, but ....... always act safely and responsibly remembering to: socially distance keep up the hand hygiene, and mask up If you want to join our email list - send me an inbox or email [email protected]

19.01.2022 Lost confidence in Daniel Andrews? Listen to Gippsland resident Tremain express his bitter disappointment in the Premier. I think he has failed us totally....we need leadership... Add your voice here www.noconfidence.com.au

18.01.2022 The Coalition Against Duck Shooting is again running a campaign against duck hunting in Victoria. Last week in state parliament I asked Labor's Agriculture Minister, Jaclyn Symes to support responsible duck hunters, stand up for shooters and call out this misinformation campaign - frustratingly all I got in return was fence sitting. Recreational shooters in Gippsland are responsible with many actively involved conservation and habitat protection activities for decades. Our ...local Field and Game branches have been impressively rebuilding wetlands, erecting nesting boxes and undertaking Landcare activities to enhance our water fowl numbers and our local environment so they can continue their passion for harvesting their own food. Heart Morass, near Sale has been transformed from a wasteland into a thriving wetland through the dedication of our local recreational hunters. It is imperative the Andrews Labor Government support them and call out the latest misinformation campaign orchestrated. Morwell Field & Game Sale Field & Game Bairnsdale Field & Game Field & Game Australia Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia - SSAA National SSAA Victoria

18.01.2022 More changes to Regional Victoria’s restriction levels - Effective from Thursday 17 September Country Victorians have been magnificent their efforts to suppress the coronavirus. Many hardworking Gippsland businesses open during Stage 2 have been unfairly restricted by the roadmap, even with low regional case numbers. ... It is only appropriate that restriction concessions affecting industries such as beauty and hospitality have been announced today. Congratulations to all those businesses and individuals who signed petitions, wrote to the Premier and with me and my Nationals colleagues lobbied for easing of restrictions. It is a step in the right direction, there are many still to go. Here is what we know so far. Need help applying the changes or join our mailing list? Call my team on (03) 51747066 or email me on [email protected] and we will assist you. Full details and FAQ’s are yet to be updated online.

18.01.2022 Updates on restrictions As of September 14, new restrictions for Regional Victoria and Melbourne operate. This morning Regional Victoria moves to ‘Step Two’ which means:... Only leave home for 4 reasons: school or work (if these can not be done from home), care or caregiving, to purchase essentials, exercise. Up to five people able to gather together in outdoor public places from a maximum of two households for exercise or recreation (note outside only). Outdoor pools and playgrounds will open. Visitors to the home still not allowed except for the "Single person bubble": 1 nominated visitor if living alone/single parent (all children under 18) - no forms or official nomination required. Religious services can be conducted outside with a maximum of five people, plus a faith leader. Schools return to onsite learning from Term 4 with safety measures - but not till October 12. Check with your school for actual dates. The following are unchanged in ‘Step Two’: Masks remains for now Outdoor exercise and recreation allowed - still no camping or overnight stays away Restaurants and cafes open for takeaway and delivery only Retail: open, with density and other restrictions, hairdressing open. Note some beauty services will now be allowed to reopen at ‘Step Three’. I’ll update you as soon as information comes to hand. Metropolitan MELBOURNE As of this morning Melbourne moves from ‘Stage Four’ to ‘Step One’, which has only slight changes, those being: Social bubbles begin, allowing those living alone or single parents to have one other person in their home. Exercise is extended to two hours split over a maximum of two sessions, and you will be able to use that time outside for social interaction with one other person or the members of your household. Playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment reopen, and the curfew will begin at 9pm rather than 8pm. If you have questions please contact my office on 51747066 or send me an email [email protected] and I and my team will be happy to assist you. Business support Businesses with payrolls up to $10 million will receive grants of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on size (there will be a qualification criteria). A Licenced Venue Fund will be established with grants of between $10,000 and $30,000 for licenced venues of all shapes and sizes. Liquor license fees will be waived for 2021. After considerable pushback the State Government has recognised sole trader support has been lacking and further announcements in relation to supports are due this week (details not known yet). Additional details about support for businesses will be available https://www.business.vic.gov.au//business-survival-and-ada

18.01.2022 Community spirit is alive and well in Mirboo North Next time you’re in the main street of Mirboo North, please take the time to stop and admire the hard work of residents and support one of the many fabulous businesses. Thanks to all involved in the Revitalising Ridgeway project, Mirboo North main street is simply sparkling after residents organised a working bee over the weekend to reinject vibrancy back into this iconic Gippsland street.... Volunteers cleaned windows, swept and scrubbed streets to uncover the beauty that lies beneath even the local police station had its bulk head cleaned and years of lichen removed. They also installed wine barrel planters donned with array of colourful seasonal blooms. What an amazing project which gives back to the many small businesses who regularly support and donate to local schools, the community and sporting groups in town. The Revitalising Ridgeway Project is a three project for the Mirboo Country Development Inc. The project is one year into their thee year plan which aims to revitalise Mirboo North’s Main Street and highlight the pride locals have in their regional town. Congratulations to all involved I can’t wait to see what’s next! #lovewhereyoulive #lovegippsland #regionalvictoria #communityspirit #magnificentmirboonorth Andy & Kelly McCarthy

15.01.2022 LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE PREMIER? - SEND A MESSAGE Victoria’s second wave of COVID-19 and devastating lockdowns didn’t occur because we were unlucky. They occurred because the Andrews Labor Government catastrophic mismanagement in the hotel quarantine program and in contact tracing programs. ... Even the Premier acknowledges 99 per cent of the second wave can be traced back to hotel quarantine failures. These failures cannot be written off as mistakes. Lives were lost, jobs lost, businesses closed or struggling to survive, livelihoods destroyed, education disrupted and loved ones forcibly kept apart. These things are so much more than just a ‘mistake’ they are devastating and nothing short of a tragedy. Today The Nationals and Liberals moved a motion of no-confidence in the Premier and his government in Parliament. It will be debated and voted on next month. We didn’t do this lightly. But the Andrews Labor Government has caused this second wave and the misery for millions of Victorians. While all other states and territories were moving forward with their recovery, we were thrust back into lockdown to fix Labor’s mess. The Premier has lied, can’t or won’t tell us who was in charge of the botched hotel quarantine program. We have been handed an unfair and unachievable roadmap that unnecessarily condemning Victorian to longer and tougher restrictions than almost anywhere in the world. If you’ve lost confidence in the Premier and his government too, send a message at www.noconfidence.com.au Shaun Gilchrist

14.01.2022 How has Daniel Andrews let you down? Hear from James, his Latrobe Valley cafe is fighting to survive despite his best efforts to pivot his business into new markets - costs are mounting, trade is heavily restricted; and there has been very little support from the Andrews Labor Government. Small business operators like James are the heart and soul of our regional economy and they are being crushed because of the second wave of COVID-19 in Victoria caused by the bungled hotel... quarantine program. Now Daniel Andrews’ grossly unfair and inconsistent roadmap has dealt them another blow. Despite a 14 day daily average of only 1.1 cases across all of Regional Victoria and zero cases with an unknown source today - all regional hospitality businesses remain heavily restricted in their ability to operate. Under the regional roadmap cafe COVID normal is a very, very long way off. If you too have lost confidence in the Andrews Labor Government - add you voice here www.noconfidence.com.au

14.01.2022 Next sitting week Fiona Patten’s ‘Reason Party’ Private Members Bill, if passed will see school chaplains removed from Victorian State schools. The Bill fails to recognise the contribution chaplains make to enhance student wellbeing and welfare. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, chaplains play a vital role in the life of a school community.... In my role as a Nationals MP and my former career as a secondary school teacher, I understand that chaplains are gold! The work they do to care for and support not just individual students, but staff, teachers, parents and the whole community is significant and highly valued. If you value the work of chaplains please send a message to State Parliament. https://vic.nationals.org.au/chaplain-petition/

13.01.2022 Animal welfare is important to all of us. The Victorian State Government is currently reviewing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (POCTA) Act. The proposed amendments will legally recognise animal sentience and increase animal husbandry red tape.... The changes will impact Victorian agriculture and Victorian farmers. Public consultation is open with submissions being accepted until December 14 2020. Have your say by visiting the link: https://vic.nationals.org.au/poctareview/

13.01.2022 Open our swim schools for Term 4 Learning to swim is a critical life saving skill. Here in Gippsland we are surrounded by water beaches, rivers, lakes, farm dams, weirs and pools. Summer is just around the corner and Daniel Andrews’ roadmap has roadblocked the opening of indoor swimming pools throughout Victoria, leaving life saving water safety lessons on the backburner. I am calling for the unnecessary restrictions to be lifted on indoor pools so our s...wim schools can commence operations with their COVIDSafe plans. Statistics tell us regional Victorians are almost twice as likely to drown than those living in metropolitan Melbourne. Teaching children not to panic when they find themselves in trouble saves lives. There is no data or science why our swim schools in indoor pools can’t re-open. The decision to keep them closed appears to be just another of the Premier’s captains’ calls. Drowning is a real issue in Victoria and swimming needs to be taught to all young people. Swimming is an accumulative life skill that must be practiced regularly while you’re young. It’s develop through access to regular lessons provided by our hardworking swim schools. Thank you to Paul Myers, owner of Baw Baw Swim School for speaking out, and the impressive young Hunter and Logan who joined me today calling for the recommencement of learn to swim; and just like Hunter and Logan said today, 'they miss their friends and they just want to swim'. Let’s hope the Premier is listening. Baw Baw Swim School Send a message to the Premier to reopen swim schools at vicn.at/MessageToDan

13.01.2022 The Premier’s press conference today brings another inconsistency. Today Daniel Andrews announced that Victorians (including regional Victorians) must wear only a fitted face mask. Wearing a face shield, scarf or bandana will be outlawed and after a grace period of two weeks (as per his press conference) will incur a fine. Regional Victoria has ZERO cases from an unknown source and a 14 day rolling average of 0.6.... Face shields, scarfs and bandanas were deemed suitable by health experts when Victoria’s active coronavirus numbers were in the thousands but apparently not now. Why? As always it is important to comply with COVID restrictions, however, I would like to know the scientific rationale behind the Premier’s new rule. Or perhaps there isn’t one! Many tradies wear bandanas. Many butchers wear face shields, to enable an unobstructed view from eye to hand (and knife). So, good people please be aware of the Andrews Government’s new rule to come into force in the next two weeks face shields scarves bandanas face masks only Have something to say to the Premier, add your voice at www.noconfidence.com.au

13.01.2022 It’s Official. Thanks for stopping by the office, Jacob to show me your Learners Permit in person. You’re an amazing young man with a bright future. Best wishes to mum, Kim for all the hours she will be keeping you company behind the wheel as you clock up your driving experience. Happy driving!

12.01.2022 Today I called on the Andrews Labor Government to deliver a genuine commitment and investment to support secure and permanent jobs for the native timber industry in Gippsland with Jane Oakley, CEO Committee for Gippsland. The Andrews Labor Government needs to explain how their announcement to establish a seedling nursery today will replace Victoria’s world class sustainable native timber industry in only 10 years. Any seedling planted today will not be ready for saw log harv...est until 2050, yet Daniel Andrews is determined to close the industry by 2030 - an industry that employees 21,000 people and contributes in excess of $7.3 billion to our economy. The state government need to push reset on their thinking as their timber transition plan is a sham. COVID-19 has taught us is that we must support and invest in local manufacturing jobs. Instead of encouraging the importation of timber from third world countries the Premier must support timber workers and our incredible homegrown high end hardwood products produced right here in Victoria. Read my full statement here https://www.melinabath.com.au/labor_s_seedling_nursery_miss

10.01.2022 Standing up for victims of sexual assault Last night, important work was achieved in opposition and I was pleased to make my contribution as part of a Nationals and Liberals team that preserved the rights of decent and deserving families of deceased sexual assault victims. A law that would have made it illegal to name deceased sexual assault victims has been voted down by the Nationals and Liberals and the overwhelming majority of Crossbenchers. Incidentally, the SFFs Jef...f Bourman chose to abstain from the vote. I commend my Eastern Victorian Region colleague and Shadow Attorney General, Edward O'Donohue MP for leading the debate that saw the Legislative Council pass an amendment that preserved the legal status quo for the families of deceased sexual assault victims. Our amendment ensures these families can continue to speak about their deceased loved one and puts a stop to Daniel Andrews’ plan to silence them, unless an expensive court order is obtained. Today, Daniel Andrews has a duty to accept these amendments and not maintain Labor’s misguided and hurtful position which sought to silence those who have already suffered too much. During my contribution I was privileged to share the vital work of survivor advocates, Tracie Oldham, Ashleigh Cooper and Nina Funnell and remember those families who have lost their loved ones in the most horrendous of circumstances and need to be able to tell their story. In recognising the important role our local agencies such as, Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault, @GCASA in supporting victims and assisting on the long road to healing and living again, my contribution can be read here https://www.melinabath.com.au/justice_legislation_amendment SPEAK UP - All Survivors Matter #SpeakUp #AllSurvivorsMatter #LetUsSpeak

10.01.2022 A Royal Commission is vital to understand exactly what went wrong in Victoria. Unlike other inquiries a Royal Commission provides powers needed to get the answers Victorians deserve. Victorian’s deserve to be better protected next time.... All Victorian’s have been affected by the pandemic. Some have tragically lost loved ones, others lost jobs, financially surviving by the skin of JobSeeker or JobKeeper. Our ever adaptable business community frustrated by shut, open, shut directives. A percentage of good businesses won’t survive, many family own enterprises are drawing on dwindling savings or borrowing to pay relentless overheads. Our children have had the most disjointed education, missing face to face learning and social connectedness. Parents have tried to juggle work commitments and support remote learning. For some it is fine but for many it is exhausting. Vulnerable children have spent more time in ‘at risk’ homes put under pressure from lockdown restrictions. They are the hidden victims. The list of fallout pain goes on Our medical professionals, health care and nursing staff have faced daily risks to their own health in working to ensure ours. Daniel Andrews is the leader of this state but under his leadership we are the only Australian state with a catastrophic second wave. How is Victoria’s contact tracing so appallingly inadequate? Why didn’t our Premier investigate and adopt worlds best practice for public health policies? Yes there was no rule book for COVID19 but other states have come through this without the mental scars and economic pain which will be felt by many Victorians for decades. We need to understand why things went so wrong, what decisions were made and by whom that lead Victoria being one of the most locked down states in the world. A Royal Commission will shine a light on the truth, so that we never have to endure such hardships again. #vicnats

08.01.2022 Campfire safety is a burning issue Campfires safety is common sense for most us, however for some it isn’t. ... Frustratingly unattended and abandoned camp fires from visitors to Gippsland are a major risk to residents and our beautiful environment. This week I raised the issue in state parliament calling for more action on the issue. The statistics show us Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) officers discovered 32 abandoned campfires in just two days after the metro/regional border was lifted. Even with restrictions during 2020, officers discovered 169 abandoned campfires in Gippsland in the past year. These statistics are confronting and will send a shiver down the spine of many Gippslanders who are no stranger to bushfire. I would like to see a comprehensive statewide education campaign in a variety of languages targeting metropolitan campers and an increase in on the spot fines. With a hot weekend forecast and bushfire season here but here is a timely reminder on your obligations when it comes to your campfire: Campfire safety rules are always in force on state public land, and campers need to be aware of them. Campers must use purpose-built fireplaces if they are available, otherwise a trench must be dug at least 30 cm deep In National and State Parks, campfires may only be lit in purpose-built fireplaces provided. Wood on campfires should be less than a metre in length, and campfires MUST NEVER be left unattended. Campfires need to be EXTINGUISHED WITH WATER, NOT SOIL, as fires can still smolder under soil. If a fire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave. NEVER, EVER light a campfire on days of Total Fire Ban If we all do the right thing, we will help protect Gippsland communities and our environment from a campfire getting out of control. Let’s aim for a fire safe summer Gippsland!

06.01.2022 Today we pause to honour Victorian police officers who died in the line of duty. Each and every day our dedicated and hardworking Victorian police protect and serve us, risking their lives to keep our community safe. ... #todaywehonourthem #thankyou #policeremembranceday #BlueRibbonDay2020

05.01.2022 Open our dance schools Gippsland dancers and dance studio owners are furious about bans and inconsistent rules stopping regional children attending dance classes. The Premier has stopped dance schools reopening until 23 November 2020 at the earliest and ONLY if there has been zero cases state wide for 14 days. ... While U18 outdoor contact sport is allowable, it’s illogical that ballet has been classified a high-risk activity. Studio’s are huge open plan spaces and well managed. Dancers are incredibly disciplined. Regional dance studios should be allowed to open for Term 4 with COVIDsafe plans in place. The glaring inconsistencies in Daniel Andrews roadmap must be addressed. It continues to discriminate against many industries, devoid of accurate science and sound medical advice. Instead of picking and choosing the fate of people’s livelihoods and acceptable activities, Daniel Andrews should be developing restrictions based on sound advice. The decision to ban dance schools will have disastrous consequences for the arts in Victoria and the many young children who will sadly miss out in term 4. Lisa Pellin Dancers Brooke Burke Gippsland Academy Of Dance Dance Arts Alliance

03.01.2022 As per today’s announcement - Victorian COVID-19 Restrictions change effective from Monday 23 November Masks - outdoors no longer mandatory unless you cannot physically distance. Mandatory indoors and on public transport. Keep a mask with you at all times and use if necessary. Visitors to your home - 15 per day. Can be across different times in the day, but cannot exceed a max of 15 people in any given day.... Outdoor gatherings group limit of 50 Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings indoors - 150 people. Density 1 person per 4 square metres. Hospitality seated service indoors - maximum of 50 customers. Small venues are classified as less than 200 sq/m of floor space. Density limit changes to 1 person per 2 metres square No group size limit. QR code record keeping is mandatory Hospitality indoor large venues (greater than 200 sq/m) capped at 150 per space. Density limit is 1 person per 4 square metre. No group size limit. Hospitality Outdoors - up to 300 patrons density limit 1 person per 2 square metres. Food courts - Indoor maximum of 50% capacity and density of 1 person per 8 square metres. Outdoor maximum of 50 people per area. Density limit 1 person per 2 square metres. 10 areas allowable. Areas must be separated by 10 metres. Maximum 500 people. Cinemas, galleries and museums - 150 people indoors. Density limit Community clubs and adult contact and non contact sport - 150 indoors with group sizes at 20, 500 outdoors with group sizes of 50 Public event - organisers can apply to host an event. Rules in place according to event type. Check rules and application process. Private office workers - phased approach to return from 30 November 25% can attend onsite Higher education - students and teachers begin return to campus for summer programs Music/creative industries - Creative Studios Indoor if venue less than 80sqm, maximum of 20 people, subject to a density quotient of 1 per 2sqm. If venue 80sqm or larger, maximum of 150 people indoors subject to density quotient of 1 per 4sqm Group/class limit of 20 patrons. Recommendation that no more than 5 people singing or using wind instruments for amateur groups. Outdoors: Venue cap of 150 people, with a group limit of 50 people, density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm CHRISTMAS CATCH UPS ** From 14 December only Up to 30 people in your home, babies under 12 months don’t count. If you live in the Eastern Victoria Region and have specific questions you can inboxed on Facebook or email me on [email protected]. My office will commence working through the inquiries from tomorrow. Please be patient. When restrictions change there are always many, many questions that need answering and as usual we do our best to answer each and every one. DHHS website https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus Please as always take care and stay safe.

03.01.2022 Today on #WorldTeachersDay2020 cast your mind back to your school days. Remember a teacher who inspired you, someone who believed in you, challenged you, engaged and encouraged you. Told you it’s ok to think outside the box. And collectively, let’s thank them for assisting us on our educational pathway & for being positive role models in our early lives. They often don’t know the positive influence they’ve had. #countryschoolsaregreatschools... #Thankyou #Thankateacher #FishCreekPrimary #FosterHigh #MNSC See more

03.01.2022 Gurneys Cider - a touch of England in nestled in the grandeur of Wilson’s Prom. Foxgloves, roses and exquisite pear & apple cider fresh from the cellar. Highly recommend for fabulous views and great service. #lovegippsland #cider #gippslandfare

03.01.2022 FROM MASK MISUNDERSTANDING MADNESS TO GREAT OUTCOME Today I bring you a story about one of my constituents who today finally had the opportunity to sit for his Learners driving permit and is now on the road to independence. Jacob Davison is a young Gippsland teenager living with disability. He has a medical exemption from wearing a mask due to clearly identified risk factors. ... Two weeks ago, he was turned away from VicRoads, denied the opportunity to sit his test because he wasn't wearing a face mask despite having a medical exemption and carrying a letter from his specialist. He was told VicRoads directive was 'no mask, no test' despite DHHS guidelines which clearly outline medical exemptions. He was left devastated by the experience. I took the issue to State Parliament a week ago raising the issue with Labor’s Minister for Roads and Roads Safety and to date have not received a reply. Today I invited Gippsland’s media to listen to Jacob’s story. Late this afternoon Jacob was contacted by VicRoads who offered an apology and invited him to come back in and sit for his learners permit test without a mask. While Jacob was worried, he gathered up the courage and went into VicRoads this afternoon and sat his test. I am delighted that Jacob's hard work and study paid off and he PASSED!! Living with a disability is challenging, it’s essential we provide all people with disabilities with meaningful and inclusive opportunities which support them to reach their full potential. It is Jacob and his family’s wish that no person living with a disability has to experience the type of rejection Jacob experienced, however unintended. Drive safe on the road Jacob and try not to scare mum too much!

02.01.2022 Gorgeous day to be out in Gippsland. Great to see locals supporting locals. It was definitely worth the wait for fish & chips at the Port Welshpool Store. Many folk out taking in the spectacular views from the #jetty or feeling the rhythm of the water over Agnes Falls. There are many delightful cafes to reward a walk on the #RailTrail. A Gippsland ‘staycation’ is the way to go! ... #lovegippsland #Toora #Welshpool #PortWelshpool #AgnesFalls #GSRT See more

01.01.2022 The Premier’s restrictions on regional Victoria make no sense, it’s time he eased his oppressive rules. Andrews’ focus on Melbourne has ignored opportunities for regional Victoria to reopen safely. Regional Victorians have been magnificent in doing the right thing, staying home, adapting lives and habits and pivoting businesses, adopting stringent COVID safe plans for work and keeping in touch. Today Daniel Andrews reveals the next stage of his ‘roadmap’. Let’s hope he brings... his documentation this time and has a real plan to open us up safely. The Nationals understand that regional Victorians want our lives back, we need to get local sport and community events up and running again. Here is our realistic plan for regional Victoria. Junior sport includes dance studios, indoor swimming, gymnastics venues. Gyms with 20 cap initially also included in our roadmap.