The State Government has been questioned why it is cutting Departmental staff from the Department of Energy Environment Climate Action (DEECA) and Parks Victoria, including firefighting personnel, while it is continuing to fund expensive brumby culling that locals generally oppose.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, queried the priorities of the Allan Labor Government in State Parliament.

“We have statements indicating the Australian Workers Union and the Community and Public Sector Union have said they are considering taking the state government to the Fair Work Commission over 208 jobs cuts, including 118 in forest fire operations, but we are about to commence another round of brumby shooting in East Gippsland.

“How have we ever arrived at a point in time where shooting brumbies is more important to fund than fire defences and community safety,” Mr Bull queried.

“A leaked document clearly outlines Parks Victoria is also cutting back on pest, plant and animal control, which is something we can ill afford.

“Apart from wrong priorities, the other reason for these cuts is the mismanagement of the Budget and spiralling State debt.

“We are heading to a State debt of $180 billion with repayments on interest alone of $26 million a day – more than a $1 million per hour.

“When you mismanage finances to that level, you have to cut funding to important programs and that is what we are seeing here.

“And now it is spending more money it does not have on the Suburban Rail Loop, which will further impact the bottom line,” said Mr Bull.

Monday, 2 December 2024