Despite the Victorian Labor Government racking up a debt that will hit $190 billion, with interest repayments alone of $28 million per day (more than $1m per hour), Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull is hoping next week’s State Budget delivers some necessities for the region.

It is clear the Bairnsdale hospital needs a rebuild and the first stage of that is a new emergency department, however, there are many more priorities.

“New police stations are required at Orbost and Maffra and we need a new fire station at Metung. While I know we will not get them all, it would be good to have one or two of these committed to.

“The Buchan Bush Nursing Centre is also critical to that community and the surrounding areas and needs to be funded to relocate to its new site.”

Mr Bull said with our growing population, there was also a need to upgrade and build a range of new sporting facilities across the region.

“In addition, we have the overarching issues of our roads network falling apart and the need for real investment in pest plant and animal control, lack of fuel reduction burning that leaves us vulnerable and much more.

“My concern is when you have put yourself so far in debt, there should be something to show for it, but our roads are a mess, our health network is under extreme pressure and so much investment is needed in so many areas.

“Let’s hope we can get some much-needed investment in the electorate next week,” he said.

Caption: State MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, says East Gippsland must get its fair share in the 2026–27 Victorian Budget, including funding for critical infrastructure such as a new BRHS emergency department.

Monday, 27 April 2026