Comment Columns

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Join me in giving an hour a week
On a recent visit to Bairnsdale, former Chief Commissioner of Police and National Ice Taskforce Chairman, Ken Lay, had a clear message relate to ice use. He said police cannot arrest their way out of…

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More understanding of the country required
Comments from the Greens member for Prahran while in East Gippsland last week and as reported in the East Gippsland News, provided some interesting content. Mr Sam Hibbins, the newly elected Member for Prahran, is…

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Our future bright, but investment must continue
There is much to be positive about in relation to the future of East Gippsland. Unlike many other rural areas, our population, employment numbers and business sectors all continue to grow. Figures from earlier this…

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Port sale short changes country Victoria
Last week in State Parliament the hottest topic of debate, both inside and outside the Chamber, was the Port of Melbourne sale. Although some may think it has little to do with East Gippsland, that’s…

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Kokoda an incredible experience
Last week I had the honour, of walking the Kokoda Track with my son, which apart from being a great physical challenge, was an incredibly emotional and educational experience - in some ways life changing…

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Better understanding needed following Budget
Last sitting week I delivered my speech in response to the State Budget. It was directed at informing a number of metropolitan MP’s on the importance of rural Victoria to the state and supporting our…

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New public holiday to hit our business sector
I enjoy football season despite being deprived of success for some time as a Richmond supporter. However, the current State Government’s decision to declare the Friday before the grand final a public holiday for the…

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Bully suggests an East Gippsland Pattie's pie night
The last thing my waistline needs is to sink a pie (or two), but this weekend my family will be having a pie night – a Pattie’s Pie night – and I urge you all…

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We need strong financial management and our fair share of funds
There is an old saying that politics is like trying to solve a $100 problem with $50. There will always be demands for funding from all sectors, whether it be health, education, disability, roads, public…

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New government must consider our needs
I wish to use this first column of the new electoral term to provide some comments around the recent State election. Firstly, I thank the people of Gippsland East for their support in having confidence…