No images? Click here THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENTWELCOMEManaging issues and advocating for the needs of our regional communities through the coronavirus pandemic has been a major focus of my work during the Parliament recess. Unintended consequences arising out of the border closure have had an enormous impact, particularly disrupting access to work and education. We had a small win this week with exemptions to allow students and staff to travel between school and home without self-isolating. The ongoing impact of this stress on people's financial security and mental health is very concerning and I am pushing for further exemptions to allow people to cross for work and other purposes. Other regions to the south of the electorate are back in Stage 3 lockdowns, which we hope will not extend beyond six weeks. I am in contact with local councils and relaying issues and concerns through to Government as they arise. I have held a combination of virtual and physical visits across Northern Victoria, discussing economic and social issues, as well as attending numerous hearings as part of Parliament committee work. Parliament is due to return on 4 August and I will bring you more news after the sitting week. - Tania Border closuresThe border between NSW and Victoria was closed on 7 July and further restrictions were imposed from 22 July. Managing the coronavirus pandemic is complex, but these restrictions have significant impact for residents where there are low (or no) active cases. My office has been inundated with calls, emails and messages about issues and I hope the collective advocacy of MPs, councils, businesses, stakeholders and residents will lead to a better understanding of how border communities operate. The link to apply for a border permit is below. The death of the CFA as we know itFrom 1 July 2020 the new Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) service came into effect and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) became a volunteer-only organisation. I have consistently and strongly opposed the fire service restructure, including in Parliament in the debate on the new legislation in 2019, and expressed grave fears that the proposed changes would divide emergency services in Victoria. CFA volunteers are disheartened and angry about the complete lack of transparency and consultation during the transition, an ominous sign of what is ahead. Any new agreements between FRV and the CFA should be publicly released, and volunteers given the chance to get answers to their questions before they’re signed. Inquiry into Victoria’s Road TollTransport Accident Commission (TAC) reports indicate that, in the last five years, approximately 41% of all drivers and motorcyclists that died on our roads, who were tested, had drugs in their system. Additionally, 25% of Victorians who use recreational drugs have admitted to driving while under the influence. I have made a submission to the current parliamentary committee inquiry into the road toll, calling for increased drug testing on roads and better driver education for young people. Drugs are rapidly surpassing alcohol as a risk factor on Victoria’s roads. If Victoria Police trained and equipped ALL members to conduct random drug tests, the capacity to get drug-affected drivers off our roads would increase and improve public safety. Last week I visited the Driver Education Centre of Australia (DECA) in Shepparton to speak about my submission and tour their facilities. Trading bubblesI've been speaking with businesses and Chambers of Commerce across Northern Victoria about how they are faring during the pandemic. Cobram Hotel is just one example of a business under pressure because opening up large areas simply isn't viable under current limits of 20 patrons. These businesses don't want an influx of visitors, they just want to be able to serve their locals, keep their doors open and their staff employed. I've repeated my call to the Government to consider regional trading bubbles to help local businesses operate more freely within their local community, while adhering to the health protocols and social distancing. Managing Fruit FlyI have advocated (including in Parliament) for the continued funding of programs to manage fruit fly. I am pleased the Government has now confirmed an extension of funding for 2020-2021. Moira Shire Council will receive $522,800 and Mildura Rural City Council will receive $511,900 for the next year. The management of Queensland Fruit Fly is vital to the Sunraysia and Goulburn Murray Valley economies and, while this funding provides for the extension of this important work for another 12 months, we now need to work to secure continued funding to protect our regions. Community catch-upsAs well as constituent meetings, I've caught up with a range of stakeholders across Northern Victoria in the last month, both in person and through video link. These stakeholders have included the Moira Shire, Mount Alexander Shire, Albury Wodonga Health, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, The Cottage rehabilitation centre, Sunraysia Community Health Services and the Centre for Non-Violence. How these organisations are adapting to deliver critical services in the coronavirus climate to help the wellbeing of their communities was a central focus of discussions. Face coveringsFace coverings in regional Victoria are now recommended in situations where maintaining 1.5 metres distance is not possible. Earlier this week the Government made face masks and/or coverings mandatory when you leave your home for people living in Melbourne metro areas and Mitchell Shire. Anyone who fails to do so will risk a $200 fine. There are exemptions to this rule – for those who have a medical reason, children under 12 years, those who have a professional reason, or if it is just not practical. You will always still be expected to carry your mask so that you can wear it when you can. Ski season cancelledI've had interactions with management boards across our mountain regions and specific discussions with Falls Creek Management regarding the financial cost of closure of the ski lifts. Seasonal businesses across our mountain regions, many of which were already impacted by the bushfires, face further struggles. The trading bubble I mentioned earlier in this newsletter is a missed opportunity for mountain resorts. Legal and Social Issues |