News

Department for Regional Victoria promised

By Tyler Maher

Nov 17, 2022

Regional promise: Nationals leader Peter Walsh has pledged to build a Department for Regional Victoria. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The state Coalition has promised to build a new Department for Regional Victoria — in regional Victoria — if elected to power.

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The Latrobe Valley would be home to the new department, which would see up to 200 jobs created.

Liberal Party leader Matt Guy said the department would address inequity between the city and rural and regional areas.

“For too long, regional Victoria has been overlooked by the Andrews Labor Government when it comes to investment in key infrastructure,” Mr Guy said.

Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria Peter Walsh said the department would ensure regional Victoria had a seat at the table.

“Under the Liberals and Nationals, the Department of Regional Victoria will finally see our communities put first after decades of Labor’s neglect,” the Nationals leader said.

“Labor’s city-centric decision-making has left regional Victoria worse off for roads, health, mental health, career opportunities and the rising cost of living.

“That’s after Labor’s botched pandemic management that saw small rural towns under the same restrictions as Melbourne’s CBD.

“The Department of Regional Victoria, as well as the Liberals and Nationals’ 25 per cent Regional Infrastructure Guarantee, means regional Victorians will have the healthcare, education and transport infrastructure they deserve.”