Today, I announce that I will not be contesting the November State Election.

It has been an incredible honour, and a significant chapter of my life, to represent the people of this region over the past 16 years, including 13 years serving on the front bench as a Minister and Shadow Minister.

Over the coming months leading up to the election, I will continue to represent the people of East Gippsland to the very best of my ability.

My family and close friends - who have been a tremendous source of support - have known since the last election that this would likely be my final term. I have taken the time to ensure there were no second thoughts, and there are none.

I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional staff during my time in public office. I extend my sincere thanks to Gaynor, who has been with me from the beginning, along with Jess and Anthony, who have also provided long and dedicated service. I also acknowledge and thank all those who previously worked with me in both my electorate and ministerial offices.

My thanks also go to Peter Ryan, Peter Walsh and Danny O’Brien - the three National Party leaders I have served under - whose support and friendship I greatly value, along with that of my parliamentary colleagues past and present.

East Gippsland is a wonderful place to live and work. While the region faces its share of challenging times through fires, floods and storms, those moments have always highlighted the very best of our community, with people coming together to support one another. It’s a privilege to represent such a resilient and caring region.

Politics is an arena where people will often hold very different views, and I understand not everyone agrees with all positions taken - that is simply the nature of public life. However, I have always tried to make decisions based on what I genuinely believed was in the best interests of the community.

As I step back from public life later this year, there are other interests and opportunities I look forward to pursuing - things that have been difficult to find time for while serving in Parliament.

What lies ahead remains very much an open book, but I will continue to enjoy living in East Gippsland and being part of this community for many years to come.

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

This National Volunteer Week, we proudly recognise the volunteers who make our Gippsland East communities stronger every day.

Shadow Minister for Volunteers and Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said this year’s theme, ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, reflects the vital role volunteers play in bringing people together and supporting those in need.

“Across our region, volunteers are at the heart of community life. From our CFA, SES, and Surf Lifesaving Victoria crews - to those supporting local hospitals, sporting clubs, schools and community groups, their contribution is invaluable,” Mr Bull said.

“Our volunteers are the heart of East Gippsland. They give their time, energy and compassion to support others, and our communities are stronger because of them.

“This National Volunteer Week, we proudly thank every volunteer who helps keep our towns stay connected, resilient and thriving,” Mr Bull said.

“Whether it’s responding to emergencies, supporting local clubs, or helping neighbours in need, volunteers make an incredible difference every single day.

“This week is an opportunity for us all to say thank you.

“I encourage everyone to take a moment this week to thank a volunteer. Their contribution does not go unnoticed, and it means so much to our community.

“We are proud of our volunteers, and we are grateful for everything they do,” he said.

Monday, 18 May 2026

The Victorian Government has again delayed the long-promised upgrade of Mallacoota-Genoa Road until 2028, despite sitting on $10 million in federal funding secured back in 2021-22.

The Nationals’ State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, paid credit to his Federal Nationals’ colleague, Darren Chester, for securing the funding after the Black Summer Bushfires, following strong advocacy from the Mallacoota and District Recovery Committee, but said what should have been a straightforward recovery project has instead become a glaring example of Labor’s chronic financial mismanagement.

Mr Bull said the facts speak for themselves.

“Five years on, not only is the road still not fixed, but Labor has managed to chew through $3 million - one third of the funding - on consultants and paperwork. Not a safer road, not a finished section, just reports,” Mr Bull said.

“This is exactly what Victorians are fed up with, millions spent, nothing delivered. It’s waste on a massive scale.

“If this is how the Government handles a fully funded, ‘shovel-ready’ recovery project, it’s no wonder regional infrastructure is falling behind.”

Mr Bull said the delay is more than just frustrating, it highlights a government that fundamentally cannot manage money or priorities.

“This road was cut off for six weeks during the fires. We know what’s at stake. Yet instead of getting on with the job, Labor has tied it up in bureaucracy and burned through millions along the way,” he said.

“Regional communities should not be asked to wait eight years for something that should have been done in two. That’s not just mismanagement, it’s complete neglect.”

The Nationals’ Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, said that building a more resilient access road was the number one priority for local residents after the bushfires which saw the town isolated for weeks.

“The Andrews-Allan Government refused to help so we secured the money from the Federal Government but not a single dollar has been spent on actually fixing the road in five years,” Mr Chester said.

“It’s an absolute disgrace and just another example of Melbourne Labor Ministers treating regional people with contempt.”

Mr Bull said it was time for the Allan Labor Government to stop hoarding funding and start delivering outcomes.

“The money is there. The need is clear. The only thing missing is a government capable of delivering,” Mr Bull said.

Labor can’t manage money and doesn’t govern for regional Victorians.

Caption: Gippsland East Nationals’ MP, Tim Bull, pictured on the Mallacoota Genoa Road.

Several East Gippsland hotels are set to take the stage at the 2026 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Victoria’s State Awards for Excellence, with local venues earning recognition across a range of highly competitive categories.

The Dargo Hotel has been nominated in the Heart of the Community category, while the Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel is a finalist in three major categories – Parma of the Year, Bush Pub of the Year, and Heart of the Community. The Orbost Club Hotel has been recognised, receiving a nomination for Best Family Dining along with Tinamba Hotel is a finalist for the Best Pub Bar in Victoria.

Mr Bull also acknowledged an outstanding individual nominee, Bev Hurley of the Dargo Hotel, who has been recognised in the prestigious Local Legends Award category.

“These nominations highlight the vital role hotels play in regional communities,” he said.

“Beyond offering great food and hospitality, local pubs are gathering places where communities connect, celebrate and support one another.

“They are also major local employers, creating jobs and opportunities across East Gippsland.

“To see multiple local venues recognised at a state level is a strong reflection of the quality, resilience and community spirit of the region.

“Congratulations to all nominees, and best of luck on the night,” Mr Bull said.

The winners will be announced at the AHA State Awards for Excellence awards ceremony at Crown Casino on May 18, 2026.

Caption: Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, pictured with barman Peter at Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel which has been nominated as a finalist in three categories.

Monday, 11 May 2026

Local families in Paynesville will benefit from a $43,770 funding boost after the Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre (PNC) was successful in Round Two of the VicHealth Growing Communities Grant Fund.

The funding will support PNC’s Fresh Futures Project: Growing Food, Growing Community, a practical initiative focused on improving access to affordable fresh food while bringing families together.

The project will be delivered in partnership with the Paynesville Country Women’s Association and will include eight food sustainability and gardening workshops, along with hands-on resources such as an Early Years Health Eating Book healthy eating for families with children aged up to 14.

Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, a former VicHealth Board Member, welcomed the funding outcome and said the project reflects the value of community-led approaches to health and wellbeing.

Mr Bull said the program will help families take part in community gardens and food pantry programs, build practical skills, and strengthen social connection.

“The project will focus on learning through doing, with children and parents gaining confidence in cooking, gardening and making healthy food choices together,” he said.

“Early exposure to these skills supports lifelong healthy habits and encourages young people to understand where food comes from.”

PNC co-ordinator Julia Fitz-Gerald said the project will help bring families together and strengthen links with early years services and Paynesville Primary School.

She said the initiative creates more opportunities for families to learn, share knowledge and participate in their local community.

The VicHealth Growing Communities Grant Fund supports initiatives across Victoria that promote healthy eating, sustainability and practical life skills, helping communities support children and families to thrive.

Other local recipients include Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service and Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland who will both establish community gardens to promote healthy eating and sustainable gardening practices, while Regen Gippsland will deliver active nature programs to support healthy activities for young people and their families.

Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, with Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre’s Manager, Julie, and Fresh Futures Project Coordinator, Rachel, congratulating them on their funding success.

Monday, 4 May 2026

The Victorian Government’s 2022 investment in the Fenning Intermodal Freight Terminal was intended to restore rail freight to Bairnsdale for the first time since 2009.

However, Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull said the required investment in the line to allow heavy haulage had not followed up in the four years since.

“At the time this government promoted the upgrade as a key project for improving freight efficiency and reducing pressure on local roads, the terminal was opened with significant fanfare.

“However, it soon became clear the rail line servicing the terminal cannot accommodate heavy haulage G-class locomotives without further upgrades.

“I have raised this time and time again with the Minister, Gabby Williams, but there is no commitment to have the work done after four years and no clear explanation of their plans.

“This is a government that has racked up debt expected to hit $190 billion, with interest repayments alone of $28m per day (more than $1m per hour).

“It is ridiculous the government supports freight upgrade but does not provide the infrastructure to have the heavy freight locomotives to access it – it beggars belief really.

“I have had to make multiple approaches to different Ministers to establish why the G-class has not been approved for use and, while the government has known for some time, we now know the reason.

“No wonder the Minister was reticent to make it public, it’s just embarrassing,” Mr Bull said.

“The government needed to focus on practical outcomes rather than announcements.

“This is about making sure projects are delivered in a way that actually works for local industries and communities,” he said.

He called on the Minister to prioritise Gippsland line upgrades to support freight, while ensuring no further unnecessary disruption to passenger services occurs.

Caption: The Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is calling for key infrastructure upgrades that will support freight movements from East Gippsland. Mr Bull is pictured at the Fenning Intermodal Freight Terminal in Bairnsdale.

Monday, 4 May 2026