Families feeling the squeeze
BILL shock and skyrocketing costs of fuel, groceries, power and gas are driving a new level of financial anxiety for families and small business trying to recover from the pressures of the pandemic.
But there’s more pain, with the Labor Government increasing more than 2150 state fees and charges from July 1.
It’ll mean more cost increases in our everyday lives at a time when many of us can least afford it, with hikes to apply on licences to drive or hunt, for planning applications and on building permits.
Under the Labor Government, we’re already carrying the burden of 40 new and increased taxes – despite the Premier’s iron-clad promise of “no new taxes” before the 2018 election.
Since 2013-14, Victorian tax revenue has increased by an eye-watering 80 per cent from $16.9 billion to a forecast $30.5 billion in 2022-23.
Labor is addicted to taxes and charges.
Their mismanagement and waste on major projects – now more than $28 billion – is forcing Daniel Andrews and his Treasurer, Tim Pallas, to grab revenue from everywhere they can.
When you head to the ballot box, remember this November that only a change in government will stop the waste.
The Nationals will guarantee no new taxes and an audit of all big major projects to rein in the waste.
Because our children, and our children’s children, shouldn’t have to pay the price of Daniel Andrews’ inability to manage our state’s budget.
Peter Walsh
Member for Murray Plains
Implement an amnesty program
CENSUS data is an important advocacy tool for communities at every level – from local progress associations to state and federal MPs.
It’s definitely a challenge when census results aren’t an accurate reflection of a community’s true population and characteristics.
But it’s not the people who are the problem. It’s just a simple consequence of history.
Robinvale has a unique combination of social and economic forces that have led to a significant “hidden” population.
Many members of this population are essential to the local economy, but do not have a pathway to legitimate status or citizenship.
And that’s the root of the problem.
This population stays in Robinvale because there is plenty of work and the economy genuinely needs them. But they remain “hidden” for fear of getting in trouble with the authorities.
One way to resolve the issue would be for the Federal Government to provide an amnesty program for certain workers and residents to give them the legitimacy they need to participate fully in Australian society, including the census.
Until that, or some other circuit breaker, occurs, we need to rely on the excellent population research commissioned by Swan Hill Rural City Council, which utilised other creative means to assess the true population using indicators like water usage and ATM transactions.
I know this research has been incredibly valuable to me in securing more than $30 million for the Murray Valley in three-and-a-half years.
Although the previous Coalition Government did not implement an amnesty program, the new Labor Government might be open to the idea. I will contact the new Federal Minister for Home Affairs to start the conversation.
Ali Cupper
Member for Mildura
Mallee Family Care active in Robinvale
IN response to Swan Hill Mayor Jade Benham’s comments in last week’s The Guardian (‘Deflated’ over census, page 4), in which she claimed Mallee Family Care no longer provides services to the Robinvale community.
I am very concerned by the misinformation Cr Benham is sharing via her media commentary.
To say Mallee Family Care has “pulled” its services out of Robinvale is not correct, in fact the opposite is true.
Our organisation currently provides more support services into the Robinvale region than ever before.
The services are delivered through a place-based outreach approach, ensuring they are provided for the community when and where they are needed.
Ill-informed comments such as those made by Cr Benham may leave Robinvale residents believing that our support services are no longer accessible locally and this means that people experiencing difficulties may not seek help.
If anyone living in Robinvale requires support, please phone Mallee Family Care on 5023 5966 or 1800 632 263.
We know many people are facing challenging times and it is important that our communities know there is support available.
Teresa Jayet
Chief executive officer
Mallee Family Care
