Chester now the Shadow Minister for Ag, Fisheries and Forestry STAFF WRITERS   ELEVATING the issue of food and fibre security to a matter of national importance will be the primary focus of new Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester. Speaking after the announcement of The Nationals’ revised Shadow Ministry, the Federal Member for Gippsland said he was looking forward to working with industry groups and regional communities to increase the focus on improving the resilience, profitability and sustainability of Australia’s primary industries. “Our nation has an extraordinary heritage in primary production, and all levels of government need to work with this diverse sector to secure future opportunities,” he said. “When it comes to food security, I agree with industry leaders that it’s time to take the issue more seriously and link it to national security in an increasingly uncertain world. “As a nation, we grow more than enough food for our own domestic consumption, but the agricultural sector depends heavily on many imported critical inputs like fuel, fertiliser and pesticides. Disruptions in the supply chain, like we are seeing today, have the potential to undermine our farmers’ capacity to feed Australians and the tens of millions of people around the world who rely on our high-quality agricultural exports. “Household budgets are already under pressure, and Australian families can’t afford the price shocks associated with these supply chain failures. “The Albanese government needs to listen to the concerns of peak bodies and fast-track the ‘National Food Security Strategy’ and then back it with strategic investments which boost productivity and strengthen supply chains. “The government was warned by industry four years ago on the consequences of not having a nationally co-ordinated food security plan, which includes fuel, and it must be part of Australia’s national security planning in the future.” Mr Chester said he would embark on an Australia-wide tour to meet with industry leaders in their home states and gain a first-hand appreciation of the challenges and opportunities, with a focus on securing key inputs, growing access to markets and reducing costs of production. “As the Member for Gippsland for 18 years, I have plenty of experience dealing with a diverse range of farmers, commercial fishermen and the forestry sector in my region, but I appreciate the problems and solutions are different in every part of Australia,” Mr Chester said. “I’m a huge believer in localism. That means listening to the locals, trusting their insights and working with them on solutions that will work in their community. “Some of the challenges, like expanding markets, high input costs, access to workforce, reducing the regulatory burden and increasing pressure from alternative land uses, may be the same in each area. But how we deal with those challenges with a national strategy requires careful consideration of local impacts. “I will be putting the needs of Australians first and doing everything I can to support vibrant and profitable industries that are not tied up in government-driven green and red tape. “Our farmers are the best in the world, and we should be supporting them to continue to feed and clothe our nation with policy settings and strategic investments that help them prosper.” Mr Chester said he supported the principles in The Nationals ‘Prime Agricultural Land Protection Bill 2026’ which was introduced into federal Parliament recently to establish a national framework to protect prime agricultural land from productivity loss, foreign control, and displacement of farming communities. “We need to protect our prime agricultural land for food and fibre production as part of the National Food Security Strategy,” he said. “The Victorian government’s approach of stripping away the rights of farming families to impose industrial-scale energy projects needs to be rejected. “The Nationals in federal government will not support mining or energy projects that diminish Australia’s food security on our prime agricultural land.” Mr Chester said he would continue to promote the social licence of agriculture, fisheries and forestry to combat extreme environmental groups which seek to shut down primary industries, including the native hardwood forestry sector. “When it comes to timber, you either use your own sustainably harvested wood or you use someone else’s. We have a trade deficit in timber products, and we have the capacity to sustainably manage our own forests and achieve positive social, economic and environmental outcomes rather than raid the supply of countries with poorer environmental standards,” Mr Chester said. “I will always stand on the side of Australian farmers, fishers and forestry workers to secure and grow their industries and defend them against illogical and ill-informed attacks from environmental extremists.” Mr Chester said he had appreciated the opportunity to work with Australian Defence Force veterans and their families, and would retain a close interest in the portfolio as a local MP.

LV Express: Chester now the Shadow Minister for Ag, Fisheries and Forestry #News #Coalition #DarrenChester

Community college opens its doors By PEACE IJIYERA   A NEW Community College Gippsland (CCG) campus has opened in Morwell. Located on Hoyle Street, CCG aims to equip adults with educational and vocational training and the skills necessary to further develop their careers confidently. CCG’s signature style of operating in smaller classrooms makes learning feel more personal, and the practical learning side of things gives students a taste of their chosen industry. CCG has been in operation since 1975 and changed the lives of many. Last year, the not-for-profit organisation marked 50 years of service to the community. They celebrated this success in creating pathways for individuals who may not align with the traditional forms of education. CCG Morwell offers more than 10 courses covering a range of careers including business, community services and education. Courses range from four to six weeks and are open from ages 17 (disengaged students). Enrolments have seen individuals aged over 60 attend classes. At the official opening, dignitaries including Latrobe City Council Mayor, Sharon Gibson, Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron and Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester were in attendance. The trio all gave speeches highlighting and reinforcing the importance of alternate learning programs, promising their support. Mr Chester thanked CCG staff for their efforts. “What you’re doing here is giving people another chance. There are people in our community who have been left behind for a whole range of reasons … but you’re giving them a second chance and you’re making a difference,” he said. Cr Gibson, in shared sentiment acknowledged, “it’s not all one size fits all”. Cr Gibson also highlighted how individuals undertaking courses at CCG will assist in breaking cycles of low education rates. “Something like this is actually helping break that cycle. So, it’s not just that person that is benefiting from it, it is the family and the families to come,” she said. Former student, James Trewin gave insight into his journey from the classroom to the workforce, speaking about the newly gained knowledge and confidence he acquired from his health course undertaken at CCG. New beginnings: The ribbon is cut to signal the official opening of Community College Gippsland Morwell Photographs: Peace Ijiyera It’s this confidence that inspires him to get up each day and work at Latrobe Regional Hospital. Mr Trewin had the honour of cutting the green ribbon alongside CCG chief executive Dale Gemmell. The opening of CCG Morwell comes after the closure of Gippsland Employment Skills Training (GEST) in December 2024 due to financial challenges. At the time, GEST chief executive Jen McCafferty bravely made a call to Mr Gemmell asking to join forces and continue offering pre-accredited training to individuals in the community. To finally see the official opening of CCG Morwell came as a “relief” to Ms McCafferty who is now the operations manager of Learn Local Work and Learning Centre at CCG. “To make that call was one, really hard. Two, I’m just really grateful that they took on those operations, so that hard work wasn’t lost,” she said. Mr Gemmell said it was “really exciting” to see a CCG campus open in Morwell. “I’m just really proud of the team and of the organisation to have been in a position that they can actually step in and chip in and help out. It’s benefitted our organisation as well as the local community,” he said. “Hopefully we can have more involvement in the Latrobe Valley in future as well.” Mr Gemmell welcomes community support and encourages individuals to enrol in the courses that are ongoing. “The community can help in a number of different ways; first obviously for those wanting to undertake some training or might be struggling to gain employment, they can come down and enrol in the courses,” he explained. “Obviously, the more students that we get the more funding we get from the government that will help keep the doors open”.

LV Express: Community college opens its doors #News #CommunityCollegeGippsland #DarrenChester

Liquid gold: petrol prices soaring By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT   IN the week following Iran’s retaliation to the US-Israel airstrikes, many Australians rushed to the petrol pumps in anticipation of prices soaring. Across the Latrobe Valley and broader Gippsland region, many service stations are beginning to, if not already, tick over $2 a litre. Financial experts and federal ministers said that the effects on the cost of fuel are expected to be felt in the weeks ahead, and in addition to gas prices rising significantly, will inevitably put more strain on the economy. Gippsland continued to tick upwards last week, while service stations across metro suburbs around Melbourne rarely sat below $2, similar to surges around Sydney and Brisbane. Many Latrobe Valley locals have expressed their frustration and warned others about potential price gouging in certain towns. Hysteria has been sensed across the country, with many rushing to service stations with jerry cans in hand. The Timberline General Store in Heyfield issued a notice on its Facebook that it had ran out of diesel last Friday. The local business urged customers to stop panic buying or otherwise be forced to put limits on all vehicles until it settles. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said that the conflict in the Middle East shouldn’t be used as an excuse for price gouging. “Gippslanders are already doing it tough under Labor’s cost of living crisis, so the last thing families and small businesses need is uncertainty around fuel supply and surging prices,” he said. “The government should be doing everything it can right now to ensure Australia has secure fuel supplies and a clear plan to protect regional communities if this situation escalates. “What Gippslanders want is certainty. Farmers, freight operators, tradies and families rely on fuel every single day, and any disruption hits regional communities the hardest.” Last Thursday, local not-for-profit Willow House Community Support ran a free fresh food day out of its Boolarra Avenue, Newborough hub, relieving some financial burden off families with the rapid rise of fuel and cost of living concerns. Mr Chester also urged the Labor government to better tackle inflation and cost of living, adding that the safeguards for Australia’s fuel reserve must be maintained and strengthened. The most recent Home Value Index, shows Latrobe Valley is second in regional Victoria for highest 12-month value growth (14.4 per cent) as of February 28 at a median value of $493,543. The federal government has attempted to lower concerns over fuel prices. Energy Minister Chris Bowen provided an update on the expectation of fuel prices two days onward from Sunday, March 1 – the day of the first airstrikes on Iran. “Australia enters this period of great instability very well prepared, much better prepared than in previous crises,” he said on Tuesday, March 3. “Australia’s refineries and companies are required to keep a stock of fuel on hand in Australia just for this type of eventuality, and I’m pleased to say that we are currently in excess of the minimum stock obligations.” In reality, Australia housed less than 40 days of petrol, diesel and jet fuel at the time the Middle East conflict started, well below the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) requirement of 90 days of emergency stock. As an IEA member, Australia has failed to meet these standards consistently since 2012. Australia does store emergency oil supplies in the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, following an arrangement in 2020, but this would take two to three weeks to be shipped. Computer says no: One Traralgon service station got a little overexcited at the weekend. Photograph supplied Minister Bowen went on to acknowledge the “challenges and difficulties” the country will experience in due time. “The major impact on Australia’s petrol prices always will be international oil prices, which will be under real pressure,” Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers wrote to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) informing them of the need to keep a watchful eye on fuel companies attempting to capitalise on public panic. Despite expectations that it will take a few weeks to see the retail fuel price significantly climb, regular unleaded reportedly rose five to 10 cents (one area allegedly up 16 cents) in just a matter of days, indicating potential price gouging concerns. On Monday (March 9), markets opened to reveal that global oil prices had shot above $US100 ($142 AUSD) per barrel for the first time since 2022. Oil prices quickly jumped 10 per cent in the aftermath of the conflict, which was already tracking higher over the past month in anticipation of said events. In Australia, the average retail petrol price was at $1.81 for the week ending on Sunday, March 1 (the day of the first airstrikes on Iran), and was increasing steadily since the second week of February. At the beginning of the week, regular unleaded was being retailed across Melbourne at an average price of $2.13, according to frequently used fuel app PetrolSpy. This all stems from the 33 kilometres of shipping lane along Iran’s south border, the Strait of Hormuz, effectively being closed since the conflict has reared its head. It connects the Persian Gulf including the likes of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman to open sea. The region produces 27 per cent of the world’s crude oil, with around 20 to 25 per cent of the global supply shipped via this route. Major shipping companies said they would not pass through the strait due to the uncertain danger in the area, instead electing to re-route entirely around the most southern point of Africa, the Cape of Good – the longest possible shipping route. Two Iranian drones were also intercepted at one of the world’s largest oil refineries, Ras Tanura, which was closed temporarily after sustaining limited damage from the debris of the drones’ interception. QatarEnergy, responsible for close to 20 per cent of the liquefied natural gas global exports, also revealed that two of its operating facilities were attacked and would halt production. Following this announcement, European gas prices skyrocketed overnight by almost 50 per cent, with fears Australia could follow suit as the globe’s third-largest exporter of LNG. These attacks were one of many immediate responses by Iran, including strikes on Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. On the morning of Thursday (March 5), the first group of Australians stranded in the Middle East were repatriated to Sydney, as airlines managed the complex task of returning 115,000 citizens to home soil with flights muddied in the days since the conflict arose. The Department of Transport confirmed with the Express that Victorians are utilising public transport, specifically train services, as a cost-effective alternative to cars. Gippsland Line upgrades in September last year added 87 new weekly services, while more than 1100 extra trips each week have been added across 14 bus routes in Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Warragul. All of Caltex, Endeavour, Shell and BP were contacted for comment however, failed to respond.

LV Express: Liquid gold: petrol prices soaring #News #australia #DarrenChester

Chester ‘transparent’ about travel claim By DAVID BRAITHWAITE   MEMBER for Gippsland Darren Chester is one of more than 50 federal MPs named in a newspaper report as using taxpayer-funded travel quotas to help pay off mortgages on their Canberra homes. Federal MPs receive a $322 nightly travel allowance to cover accommodation, food and incidentals during parliamentary sitting weeks. MPs not based in Canberra can claim the amount even if they stay at a home they own, allowing them to redirect the funds to a mortgage. Analysis by the Herald Sun revealed 56 MPs and Senators have disclosed owning a home in the ACT or neighbouring Queanbeyan, New South Wales, either by themselves, through their spouse, or jointly-owned with their partner. With 66 sitting days currently scheduled for 2026, a politician could claim a total of $21,252, or up to $31,878 factoring in the night before a sitting week starts and days off during a sitting fortnight. Mr Chester is one 20 MPs who own a home in the Kingston area, close to Parliament House, the Herald Sun reported. According to the Herald Sun, the average cost of an apartment in the area is $655,000, with the government’s MoneySmart mortgage calculator estimating loan repayments at $3255 a month or $39,000 a year. Travel allowance rates are set by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority. Unlike other cities, there is not a split rate for commercial and non-commercial arrangements for MPs staying in Canberra. A politician can claim up to $499 if they stay at an interstate city hotel or motel, or $173 if using a private residence, like the home of a family member or friend. In statement to the Express, Mr Chester said all his travel claims are on the public record. “The vast majority of MPs, Senators and staff don’t live in Canberra, so they need to find accommodation for sitting weeks, or when they are required in federal Parliament for official duties,” Mr Chester said. “Like many other employees in the private or public sector who travel frequently for work, an allowance is provided for overnight stays. “By way of background, the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority sets the rate of travel allowance for Federal MPs and staff when they are required to stay away from home in any city, including Canberra.” Mr Chester said he preferred the system used by the Victorian Parliament, where state MPs who live more than 80 kilometres from Melbourne can choose to access a Parliamentary Accommodation Sitting Allowance of more than $25,000 per year to rent or buy a city property. “But that option is not available for federal MPs and Senators who must register each night they stay in Canberra to receive any travel allowance,” Mr Chester said. “In federal Parliament, MPs can decide whether to permanently rent, book hotel rooms each sitting week, or purchase a property for the nights they stay in Canberra. “Regardless of the choice they make, everyone receives the same nightly travel allowance of $322, and there is no additional cost to taxpayers if a MP chooses to buy or permanently rent a property. “I take my reporting responsibilities seriously, and all travel claims are declared in the interests of transparency and remain on the public record. “When I first entered Parliament in 2008, I stayed in hotels in Canberra for several years until I moved into a one-bedroom granny flat as a rental, for about six years. “As recorded in my register of interests, I purchased a property in partnership with a fellow MP in 2016, and when he left Parliament, I bought his share of the unit in Kingston. The mortgage is with Westpac Bank, which is also recorded in my register of interests. “The rate of remuneration and travel allowance for MPs is set independently, and it is not up to me or any other MP to decide how much we are paid when we are away from home for parliamentary duties. “However, if we are going to attract and retain people with the skills to make laws, advocate for the interests of our diverse communities and administer portfolios as ministers in our democracy, I’ve always believed our elected representatives need to be reasonably compensated.” Independent Senator David Bocock, who represents the ACT and cannot collect the allowance during sitting weeks, said rates needed to “be in line with community expectations”. Senator Pocock told the Herald Sun he wanted to see an independent review, and consider if it is more appropriate to pay a non-commercial rate for a travel allowances when politicians are staying in Canberra with friends, relatives or a property they own. One of the MPs who owns a home in the ACT told the same newspaper politicians who had homes in Canberra were mainly members of safe seats. That MP said, in most cases, the allowance did not cover the mortgage, and “quite frightfully should just be for lodging”.

LV Express: Chester ‘transparent’ about travel claim #News #Canberra #DarrenChester

Still no lights at end of Bank St saga By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT   THE community is still waiting on answers for when the Traralgon bypass will be fast-tracked and completed. Both local council and government ministers have asked the question and sought support to ensure the long-awaited project is brought forward, making certain a safe and efficient road network is finalised through and out of the major town. A petition was started in October by Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester and Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron calling for both the federal and state government to accelerate the project. The aim is to divert heavy vehicles and through traffic away from the increasingly busy town centre and to decrease traffic jams and improve driver welfare on the Traralgon section of the Princes Highway. “With 15 intersections involving roundabouts and traffic lights, it now takes at least 15-20 minutes (to) get through town and that can be much worse on long weekends and school holidays,” Mr Chester said. “Providing a Traralgon bypass would reduce congestion, improve safety and productivity, increase liveability for locals and boost the visitor economy in Gippsland (and) would create jobs during the major construction phase. “There are well recognised social, economic and environmental benefits to be achieved in delivering this road transport project as a matter of urgency.” Following VicRoads’ extensive groundworks which included tabling road designs and analysing different aspects along the Princes Highway in the 2000s, the Traralgon Bypass Project was included in the Latrobe Planning Scheme in 2009. The state government (then Andrews government) initially announced a $1.4 million commitment for the planning of the bypass in 2017 and later a $2.9m investment to upgrade the Bank Street-Princes Highway intersection – which is still yet to come to fruition. Road upgrades were completed and traffic signal poles were fixed a few years ago, but traffic lights are yet to be installed for an area that has reportedly seen many near misses and collisions according to locals over the years, especially when attempting to cross-over lanes when exiting Bank St or over the other side at the Traralgon Golf Club. Chair of RoadSafe Gippsland Andy Milbourne, who is also an active member and volunteer of the Traralgon Golf Club, called the problematic intersection a “white elephant”. “I’ve been working with them (different government sectors) for a long, long time and I keep getting different answers, so it’s absolutely frustrating to the nth degree that these traffic lights, they’re installed but they haven’t been set up and the lanterns connected to make it, that intersection, safer,” he told the Express. “We’ve seen far too many crashes happen there and it’s only a matter of time before, unfortunately, somebody’s going to get seriously hurt – and then who’s going to take the responsibility for that?” Mr Milbourne successfully lobbied to reduce the speed limit along that strip of the highway down to 60km/h, but said the intersection needs to be prioritised. “It’s about time the government departments all got together, started working with each other and fix this thing once and for all,” he added. As for the prospects of the Traralgon Bypass Project in its entirety, Mr Milbourne wasn’t holding out hope. “That’s been on the cards for many years, and I reckon I’ll be dead before that actually comes to fruition,” he said. Traralgon Golf Club President Ross Chapman also shared his dismay regarding the time it’s taken for the intersection’s installations. “It’s disappointing it’s taken so long … the idea is fantastic, but it’s just taken far too long,” he said. “There’s usually cars waiting to turn right into Bank St and it can take considerable time to get across if you’re trying to turn right.” The completion of the Gippsland Line in August now means that the Department of Transport can move forward with the Bank St-Princes Highway intersection plans to interlink the signalling system with the railway crossing. This is said to be complete around mid-2026. Latrobe City Council has been advocating for government funding for the Traralgon bypass for many years, with the latest attempt coming in July calling for the federal and state government to partner with council to delivering the project. “Council continues to seek regular updates from the Department of Transport to understand anticipated timelines for the completion of these critical safety upgrades,” a council spokesperson told the Express. “Speedy finalisation of this project is especially important given that the Department has not progressed planning or the delivery of the Traralgon Bypass Project, which is widely recognised as Gippsland’s most strategically significant road project. “Delivering these road safety improvements is essential to supporting safe travel for our community and visitors, as well as accommodating the increasing development activity across our city.” The project’s slow movement is due to its implications for the Loy Yang mine’s rehabilitation efforts due to bypass’ proximity. In council’s advocacy proposal, it contended that with Loy Yang’s closure confirmed for 2035 that the bypass project now be prioritised. Mr Chester said that the Coalition promised $5m to assist the design works of the project before the election, which the federal government has not matched. The Department of Transport were contacted for comment, but did not provide one before the Express’ deadline.

LV Express: Still no lights at end of Bank St saga #News #AndyMilbourne #DarrenChester

Fundraiser set up following heinous killing By AIDAN KNIGHT   A GOFUNDME page has been initiated for the family of Kaiden Morgan following the young man’s death. Set with a target of $10,000 by sister-in-law of the deceased Georgia Kelly, on Monday, October 6, it had already received more than twice the target within the first two days of going live. At time of print, the page has garnered close to $30k. “As many know, Kaiden was tragically and senselessly murdered on the 27th of September, 11 minutes after leaving his home, kissing his mum, and leaving with a loud ” lub ya’s!”, Kelly said. “His shocking, absolutely senseless passing has left a massive, gaping hole in both our lives and the many, many lives of those who loved him.” All money raised will go towards funeral and memorial expenses, and directly supporting the families needs during the difficult period. Tragic: Young Indigenous leader, Kaiden Morgan was brutally murdered last month. File photograph As Kaiden was the victim of a senseless crime, Crimes Compensation will pay for basic funeral expenses, but this excludes headstones, and only includes the most basic of services and casket options. Empathy has resounded around the wider community towards Kaiden’s family as well, as businesses do what they can to join in raising money. One such business was Muglife Espresso and Juice Bar, who pledged to donate $2 of every October transaction to the Morgan family, “to help with unexpected and saddened expenses”. A total of $164 was raised by the business on the first day. A day before the donation page went live, local politicians paid their respects. “Out of respect for his family and loved ones, I haven’t commented until now on the brutal and senseless killing last weekend of 18-year-old Kaiden Morgan. But our community is hurting and it’s important we all stand together to end the cycle of violence,” Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester said. “There are no ‘right words’ at a time like this but none of us should be afraid to speak up and commit ourselves to peacefully fixing the problems which exist.” The funeral service for Kaiden Morgan-Johnston is being held at Kernot Hall today (Wednesday, October 15).

LV Express: Fundraiser set up following heinous killing #News #DarrenChester #KaidenMorgan

Coalition fix in sight following Nationals split BY DAVID BRAITHWAITE   FEDERAL Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester says the break down of the Liberal-National coalition does not change his commitment to “fight for the future of Gippslanders”. Unable to get agreement with the Liberal Party in four key policy areas, the leadership of the Nationals last week announced they would not renew their coalition arrangement. The parties have since reneged, and it appears a Coalition fix is in sight (at time of press, Monday, May 26). If the two parties remain separate, it will means both will be able to form their own policies, and, if they don’t reform a coalition, run candidates at elections against sitting members from the other party. The Liberals would also sit alone in forming the official opposition, with no Nationals in the shadow ministry. “During the last term of parliament, the Nationals fought hard for a package of sensible and important policies that will benefit regional Australia and the future of our nation. These were adopted as coalition policies and were strongly supported by local communities,” federal Nationals leader, David Littleproud said on Tuesday, May 20. “Following discussions with the leader of the Liberal Party, we do not have the assurance we need that these policies will be honoured in a future coalition agreement. The Nationals cannot in good conscience walk away from our commitments to regional Australia.” The Nationals could not get guaranteed support from the Liberals for the the $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund, ‘big stick’ divestiture competition laws to “keep the big supermarkets honest and deliver fairer prices for farmers at the farmgate and families at the checkout”, improved universal service obligation for regional mobile and internet access, and the potential of nuclear power to be added Australia’s energy mix. “The Nationals’ Party Room does not take this decision lightly. It is made without malice. When the Liberal Party is ready, our door will be open,” Mr Littleproud said. “We will always stand up for regional Australians and the policies that will take our nation forward.” The Nationals retained the 15 lower house seats they took into the recent election, but saw a Senator not re-elected and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price move to the Liberal partyroom after the election. Mr Chester said the Liberals needed time to evaluate the loss of their 15 lower house seats, while allowing his party to undertake additional policy work. Because they’ve had more MPs, the Liberals have been the senior partner of the coalition, and held most of the key positions, such as, when in government, Prime Minister, treasurer and foreign affairs. Nationals MPs have traditionally held the agriculture and transport portfolios. In the most recent parliament, Mr Chester held the shadow ministries for regional education and regional development, local government and education. Among the ministries Mr Chester had when in government were veterans’ affairs, transport and infrastructure and regional development. If no longer a shadow minister, Mr Chester would stand to lose almost $60,000 from this annual salary. Don’t worry, he’s still be getting a base MP salary of $233,643. Mr Chester said he would would be doing everything he could to hold the Labor government to account in the interests of regional Australians. “Sadly, our nation is more divided in geographic terms than ever before, with the Labor Party dominating the metropolitan areas and showing no regard for the issues in rural, regional and remote areas like Gippsland. I will be doing everything I can to fight for a fair share of resources for regional roads, community infrastructure and critical services in health, aged care, childcare and disability services,” he said. “Whether it’s part of a coalition or as a stand-alone party, my commitment is to keep working for the benefit of Gippslanders and securing the infrastructure and critical services we need for the future. “It’s critical that we focus on the people who trusted us to represent them and bring forward a positive policy agenda to build a safer, stronger and fairer regional Australia.” Monash University School of Social Sciences head of politics, Dr Zareh Ghazarian said the dissolution of the coalition agreement was going to potentially liberate both parties. “To examine the decision we need to be looking at how the parties performed at the election. The Nationals held ground generally, while the Liberals went backwards,” he said. “So the Nationals are probably feeling a bit emboldened that they have got the constituency behind them,” Dr Ghararian said. “The Liberals, on the other hand, are really struggling, so this will give them some time to recalibrate as they move towards the future. “There is a fundamental difference over policy at the moment, with the Liberal Party having conservative elements and socially progressive elements. How they reconcile the difference between the conservatives and progressives is part of the problem for them to face going forward.” There are cases at state level when the two parties have not been in a formal coalition, such as currently in Western Australia. In Victoria, the Nationals, under the leadership of then member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan, contested the 2002 and 2006 elections separately from the Liberals, which saw an increase of two lower house members. The Victorian coalition agreement was renewed in 2008 before the parties ended Labor’s 11-year run in government in 2010. The coalition arrangement has been maintained, despite losing each election since 2014.  

LV Express: Coalition fix in sight following Nationals split #News #Coalition #DarrenChester

Coalition commits to Traralgon bypass Incumbent federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says a Liberal-National Coalition government will provide $5 million to work with the...

Gippsland Times: Coalition commits to Traralgon bypass #News #DarrenChester **Paywall**

Darren Chester – Nationals: candidate statement for Gippsland AS the only candidate with a proven track record of delivering for our community, I'm asking all Gippslanders to consider......

Gippsland Times: Darren Chester – Nationals: candidate statement for Gippsland #News #DarrenChester #Nationals **Paywall**

A heads up to #Gippsland voters good ole Dazza aka #DarrenChester is preferencing racists and bigots before intelligent articulate women, #Chesters HTV cards immediately went into the 🔥 as a fire starter #auspol25

#No☢️InGippsland #auspol25 place #DarrenChester last on the ballot and rock his world ‼️

#darrenchester is concerned about the plight of struggling young families in his electorate of #gippsland.

Meanwhile, the real #darrenchester?

I know for a fact that Loy Yang struggles to provide adequate cooling water during the summer months.
This question was put directly to #Darrenchester at the community nuclear forum held in his electorate earlier this year.
The spineless fraud refused to answer & went on to belittle the questioner!

Loved your regular contribution coming out of #abc #Gippsland Nicole.
That is until that nice man #DarrenChester who was annoyed by your inconvenient truths had you shut down 😔

Budget handed down, $50 tax cut By DAVID BRAITHWATE   With the federal election called for May 3, the federal budget (released Tuesday, March 25) is seen as a taste of things to come during the campaign. Most of the measures announced in the budget will be dependent on the Labor government being re-elected. The headline of Treasurer Jim Chalmer’s fourth budget was the $17 billion worth of modest tax cuts, topping up cuts delivered last year. Combined with last year’s cuts, the average total tax cut will be $2548, or about $50 a week. The Medicare levy low income thresholds will also be increased, and the budget also includes a two-year freeze on the increase of alcohol excise on draught beers. The Liberal and National coalition have promised to match the extension of the $150 electricity bill rebate to the end of the year, and $7.9 billion to increase the number of GP visits being bulk billed. The maximum price of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be reduced from $31.60 per script to $25, under this budget, while $1.8 billion will go towards more medicines being included on the PBS. The Labor government has promised to expanding who’s eligible for the Help to Buy scheme, helping people buy a home with a lower deposit and smaller mortgage. Individuals earning up to $100,000 a year and joint applicants or single parents earning $160,000 would be included. Twenty per cent of all student debts will be wiped off, and the repayment threshold for graduates will be lifted, while 100,000 free TAFE places will be made available across Australia every year. The government forecast a $42.1 billion deficit next financial year. Mr Chalmers said the Labor government was delivering “responsible and meaningful” cost of living relief for Australian families. “Cost of living is front of mind for most Australians, and front and centre in the budget,” he said. “We’re providing more hip pocket help for households. “The centrepiece of the budget is more tax cuts for every taxpayer, which will benefit 14 million Australians.” Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester said the government had “given up on regional areas” with a budget that was “focused on the next five weeks, with no plan for the next five years”. “Australia is heading in the wrong direction with a government that has put forward a cruel hoax masquerading as a tax cut after years of interest rate rises have driven up the cost-of-living and placed enormous pressure on family budgets,” he said. “To put it in perspective, a family with a mortgage is $50,000 worse off under the Albanese government, and Labor’s answer is to hand Australians 70 cents a day in years time. “In three years, we have also seen the Albanese government introducing a ‘funding strike’ in Gippsland with no additional funding delivered for new projects as they focus on the cities. “The only road and community infrastructure funding that has been delivered since 2022 was already in the budgets set by the former Coalition government.” Mr Chester said he was hoping to see investment in road, rail and telecommunication connectivity to boost the regional economy.

LV Express: Budget handed down, $50 tax cut #News #DarrenChester #FederalBudget

Glen Freeze supporting MND STAFF WRITERS   A PLUNGE was taken at the Glengarry Hotel last Saturday (March 15), with locals taking the plunge for Motor Neurone Disease. The ‘Glen Freeze’ was organised to raise money to help the fight against Motor Neurone Disease, which kills two Australians every day. “Sadly, the Glengarry locals have had some direct experience of MND in recent times, and they decided to support the fundraising effort and have a bit of fun at the same time,” Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester said. “Patrons paid for the chance to dunk me and several other volunteers… the icy water was actually a nice relief on a 30-degree day!” The Glengarry Hotel shared their appreciation to those who participated, whether they got dunked or not, saying how much of a success the day was. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the Glen Freeze such a memorable day for such an important cause!” the pub posted. “We appreciate those who took on the dunk machine and brought a lot of fun and excitement to the event. “This event was held in loving memory of those we’ve lost and for those who are tackling this dreadful disease today. Together, we can continue the fight against MND!” As of Monday morning, the crew had received $4329 on their donation page, well up from the goal of $1000. Many people were involved in the splash including Latrobe City Mayor, Dale Harriman and Cowwarr Football-Netball Club Vice President, Johnathon Burt.

LV Express: Glen Freeze supporting MND: STAFF WRITERS


 


A PLUNGE was taken at the Glengarry Hotel last Saturday (March 15), with locals taking the plunge for Motor Neurone Disease.


The ‘Glen Freeze’ was organised to raise money to help the fight… #Community #DaleHarriman #DarrenChester

With every cost of living measure introduced by the albanese government keep in mind that chameleon #Darrenchester like his handler Dutton also voted against them all.

Stephens named Labor candidate STAFF WRITERS   FORMER farmer and agribusiness manager, Alison Stephens, known to locals as Sonny, has been endorsed as the Labor party candidate for Gippsland at the coming federal election. Ms Stephens faces a challenge to claim the seat of…

LV Express: Stephens named Labor candidate: STAFF WRITERS


 


FORMER farmer and agribusiness manager, Alison Stephens, known to locals as Sonny, has been endorsed as the Labor party candidate for Gippsland at the coming federal election.


Ms Stephens faces… #News #AlisonStephens #DarrenChester

Hey #Darrenchester good news!
You can still do another preference deal with Clive Palmer and his baboon Babet this election.
As he is now bank rolling the Trump inspired “Trumpet of Patriots party”

Heritage celebrated at timber festival Once a timber town, always a timber town – people say Heyfield’s timber history is a source of pride. In...

Gippsland Times: Heritage celebrated at timber festival: Once a timber town, always a timber town – people say Heyfield’s timber history is a source of pride. In... #Community #DarrenChester #gippsland **Paywall**

At least #Darrenchester can still do a preference swap with Hanson.

Hansford enters Gippsland race, Broadbent decides to go again By LIAM DURKIN   OFF and racing. Two more candidates have joined the battle to become the federal member for Gippsland and Monash respectively. Monash incumbent Russell Broadbent has announced he will be recontesting as an independent, while…

LV Express: Hansford enters Gippsland race, Broadbent decides to go again: By LIAM DURKIN


 


OFF and racing.


Two more candidates have joined the battle to become the federal member for Gippsland and Monash respectively.


Monash incumbent Russell Broadbent… #News #DarrenChester #DebLeonard

Chameleon #darrenchester played a key role in having the brilliant Nicole chvestik abc drive time anchor taken off air and her subsequent resignation!

In happier times #darrenchester religiously Hoovers up votes from Maryvale #opal mill workers.

Now that the entire mill have been locked out for 21 days as a result of a handful of workers who took protected industrial action my money is on Chester is no where to be seen?
#Duttonsworkchoices2

Chameleon #Darrenchester is waxing lyrical in his weekly #LatrobeValleyexpress National party newspaper about the coalition pledging $7.5m for crime stoppers spread over 3 years!

Across all the cities & towns across Australia it equates to less than a $3.20 per week!

Spread this positive outcome far and wide especially my electorate of #Gippsland home of then veteran affairs minister and chameleon #DarrenChester!

Will #Darrenchester who still thinks he is veteran affairs minister once again vote to outsource veteran support to contracted consultants at 4 times the cost in return for political donations?

Gee,, identical to my local chameleon #darrenchester?

300 workers at Gippslands Maryvale paper Mill have been locked out by their offshored tax avoiding owners.
I put money on smiling chameleon #darrenchester who often seen hoovering up their votes is now no where to be seen

Hey #Darrenchester care to comment?
What about you #bridgetmckenzie..?