‘Mood for change’: Victorian Nationals target Premier’s Bendigo East seat

Key Concepts

• Cost of Living Crisis
• Victorian Government and Parliament Sittings
• Apology to Indigenous Victorians
• Treaty Negotiations
• Infrastructure Investment (Melbourne vs. Regional Victoria)
• Road Conditions
• Housing Crisis and Rental Affordability
• Emergency Services Tax
• Metro Tunnel and Suburban Rail Loop
• Interest Payments on Government Debt
• Crime in Regional Areas
• Historical Precedent of Ignoring Country People

Summary

This transcript features an interview with Danny O'Brien, the Victorian Nationals Leader, discussing the perceived neglect of regional and rural Victorian communities by the current state government, particularly in contrast to significant infrastructure spending in Melbourne.

Government Priorities and Regional Neglect

O'Brien criticizes the federal government for seemingly ignoring the cost of living crisis, noting their extended break while the Victorian parliament continues to sit. He also touches upon the Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, setting aside another apology to Indigenous Victorians for the impact of colonial settlement. O'Brien expresses skepticism about the necessity of repeated apologies, suggesting that the focus should instead be on addressing tangible issues like road repairs and the perceived "renewable craziness."

Electoral Strategy and Opposition to Premier Allan

The interview highlights the Victorian Nationals' intention to target Premier Jacinta Allan's own seat of Bendigo East in the upcoming election. O'Brien mentions a positive result in the federal election with a 10% swing in Bendigo East, indicating a potential for the Nationals to perform strongly in regional seats. He states their aim is to "put the Premier to the blowtorch," acknowledging the difficulty of unseating a long-serving politician (27 years in parliament, Premier for the last couple) with a margin of around 11%. However, he believes there is a "mood for change" across regional Victoria, including Bendigo, and that their federal candidate, Andrew Lethane, was strong and might be considered for future candidacy.

Infrastructure Spending Disparities

A central theme is the perceived imbalance in infrastructure investment between Melbourne and regional Victoria. O'Brien points to significant cost blowouts on Melbourne projects, citing "$50 billion of blowouts on the big projects in Melbourne." While acknowledging that some projects, like level crossing removals, were necessary, he criticizes the "mismanagement" leading to these blowouts, which he argues contribute to the state's debt and rising interest costs.

In stark contrast, O'Brien describes regional Victorians as "literally driving around on goat tracks" due to "terrible roads." He also highlights a severe "housing crisis" and "unaffordable housing" in regional areas, noting that rental affordability is reportedly worse in regional Victoria than in Melbourne.

New Taxes and Service Delivery Issues

The interview also addresses the introduction of a new "$3 billion tax" for emergency services, which O'Brien states will "particularly hit farmers and regional Victorians." He expresses anger over this tax, suggesting it will be a significant issue for voters. Furthermore, he raises concerns about the inability to get an ambulance when needed, juxtaposing this with the new emergency services tax.

Melbourne-Centric Projects and Limited Regional Benefit

O'Brien questions the tangible benefits of major Melbourne infrastructure projects like the Metro Tunnel and the Suburban Rail Loop for regional Victorians. He expresses personal confusion about the Metro Tunnel's purpose and usage, noting the new station near the Shrine of Remembrance is unlikely to benefit regional commuters. He estimates the Suburban Rail Loop to be a "minimum $50 billion project," with even the government acknowledging a cost of "at least $34.5 billion." He argues these "big big projects for the city" will "rarely have much benefit for regional Victorians."

Historical Precedent and Growing Discontent

O'Brien draws a parallel to the past, referencing how former Premier Jeff Kennett lost an election by "ignoring country people," despite being hugely popular. He believes the current government should be aware of this historical lesson. He describes "discontent in rural areas" and "growing discontent even in the regional cities" due to a "lack of attention" and "mismanagement."

Financial Strain and Crime Concerns

The interview touches upon the significant financial burden of government debt, with O'Brien stating the government is "heading for $29 million a day in interest payments." He argues this money could be better allocated to "schools, for hospitals, for roads, for investment in police." He also highlights crime as a "massive issue," not confined to Melbourne's machete attacks and home invasions, but also occurring in regional towns within his electorate.

Conclusion

Danny O'Brien's interview strongly argues that the Victorian government is prioritizing Melbourne-centric infrastructure projects, leading to significant cost blowouts and neglecting critical needs in regional and rural communities. These issues, including poor road conditions, a housing crisis, new taxes, and inadequate service delivery, are fueling discontent and are expected to be key factors in the upcoming election, with the Nationals aiming to capitalize on this sentiment, particularly by targeting the Premier's own seat.