Nationals State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is encouraging residents to check if their devices will still work, as Telstra prepares to shut down its 3G network in August this year.
Telstra was initially scheduled to close its 3G network and migrate over to 4G coverage at the end of June 2024, however, it has extended the network closure by two months to allow households extra time to prepare for the transition.
“If you currently have 3G only devices, they will no longer work after the August deadline,” Mr Bull said.
“This could impact your phone, tablet, medical devices, security systems, and more, so it is important that you are prepared beforehand.
“It may also impact your ability to make emergency calls on older mobile phones, so I urge East Gippsland residents to make sure their devices are compatible before the migration occurs. It is also important to check up on elderly family and neighbours, who may need assistance with accessing this information.”
If you’re a Telstra customer, or if you have a device that uses Telstra’s mobile network, you can find out if your mobile phone is impacted by texting ‘3’ to 3498.
Telstra will then respond to let you know the status of the device you’re messaging from, and whether you need to take any action.
If you’re using a device to monitor health such as medical alarms, security, or other remote safety situations, and they’re currently using the 3G 2100 MHz layer, they’ll stop working as the network is closed.
Information regarding the device’s compatibility with the new signal can be found on accompanying paperwork from the manufacturer, or by contacting the provider.
Mr Bull said there are a number of areas within the electorate that access the 3G signal exclusively and has raised these concerns with Telstra directly about future connectivity in these regions.
“Telstra has committed to providing 4G coverage to around 95% of the areas that currently receive 3G before the August closure, however I’ve requested that in bush fire prone areas like East Gippsland this needs to be 100% of areas,” Mr Bull said.
More information can be found at: 3G closure - what do I need to know? - Telstra

Monday, 13 May 2024

New land tax thresholds introduced by the Allan Labor Government has seen many East Gippsland landholders receiving a land tax bill for the first time this year.

However, Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull is urging landholders to check their liability before paying, as reports of land tax bills being incorrectly issued to people, organisations and community groups eligible for exemptions come to light.

Mr Bull said the Nationals opposed the legislation that was rammed through State Parliament last year, that saw the valuation threshold for land tax exemption reduce from $300,000 to just $50,000.

“This has led to many people getting a land tax bill for the first time which has been shocking to many households battling the cost-of-living crisis,” Mr Bull said.

“It is important to note that while you may no longer be eligible for an exemption based on property value, there are other criteria for exemption.

“The most common exemption is if the property is your principal place of residence or if the land is used for primary production, however there are also other exemptions that certain community groups and not-for-profit organisations may be eligible for.

“I am urging anyone who has received a land tax bill for the first time and is unsure of their rights to make enquiries and ensure that they are not paying tax they shouldn’t be.”

Information on land tax including how to apply for an exemption can be found online at www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-tax/land-tax-exemptions or by contacting the State Revenue Office (SRO) on 13 21 61 during standard business hours.

Mr Bull said new land tax charges, which the Allan Labor Government says is a key element in its COVID Debt Repayment Plan, are unfair without bills being sent to people and organisations who should be exempt.

“In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis it is wrong that everyday Victorians are being punished with increased taxes to make up for Labor’s inability to manage money.

“With Victorians already paying the highest taxes per person of any state in Australia according to the ABS, including the highest property taxes per capita in the nation, I want to ensure that landholders know of any exemptions they are entitled to.”

Monday, 13 May 2024

Victoria’s 2024/25 State Budget released today has not delivered the funding to fix our country roads, with the maintenance budget still over 16 per cent below what it was in 2020.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said he was hoping for the massive investment, but it was simply not forthcoming.

“Our roads have never been in worse shape and when we needed a major injection of funds, it is just not there. This is a government that cannot manage money and Victoria is paying the price.

“In addition, we have the agriculture and tourism budgets slashed by massive amounts and, in a period when crime was spiralling state-wide, community crime prevention has been cut by 46 per cent.

“Even with all the cuts, state deficit is still forecast to rise to $188 billion by 2027/28 – an increase of $10 billion on last year’s forecast, and this will see interest repayments hit $26 million per day. That’s right, per day.

Mr Bull accused the government of being deceitful in its announcement of the $400 school saving bonus for families of students.

“They make this announcement with bells and whistles but fail to explain that while they give with one hand, they take more with the other – much more.

“What our Premier failed to mention is the fire services levy and waste levies are increasing, and land tax, stamp duty and payroll tax are also increasing.

“They waste money on projects like the Suburban Rail Loop, which is more than $170 billion over budget from its original $50 billion costing – and then come after more of yours.

“There is just no excuse for that level of incompetence,” he said.

Tuesday, 7 May 2024

East Gippsland residents will no longer face forceful sales tactics from energy companies after the Nationals were successful in advocating for a ban on telemarketing and doorknocking.

From May 1, providers and participants in the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program – an initiative that provides State Government incentives for households that install certain energy efficient products and services – are not allowed to cold call a person to promote these products and services.

A ban on doorknocking will come into effect on August 1.

The changes also mean that providers and participants cannot purchase a person’s contact details from a third party or arrange a contractor or other agent to call or doorknock on their behalf.

Nationals MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said many residents had contacted his office to protest the aggressive tactics used by some companies involved in the VEU program.

“Even residents who had signed up to the Do Not Call register were being repeatedly harassed and coerced by people promoting products from heaters and hot water systems to showerheads, clothes dryers and fridges,” he said.

“These new bans are a protection for residents, particularly the elderly, who might not be able to advocate effectively for themselves and are pressured into signing up for products and services they do not want, under the guise of it being cost-saving.

“People have rightly had enough of companies and third parties overstepping the mark to spruik their products under this program, and I am pleased that advocacy from the Nationals on behalf of community members has pushed the State Government to act.”

The Essential Services Commission will monitor compliance with the new laws, with companies found to be in breach liable for fines of up to $46,000. They can also be suspended or removed from the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

Mr Bull said people could report anyone in breach of the new laws by calling the commission on 03 9032 1310 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Residents can also lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria online at https://forms.consumer.vic.gov.au/gef or by calling 131 450.

Monday, 6 May 2024