The Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is urging East Gippslanders to remain vigilant as detections of H5 bird flu closes in on the region. “Unfortunately, we now have confirmed cases in Clyde in southeast Melbourne (silver gull) and Narooma in New South Wales (greater crested tern). Agriculture Victoria report there are currently 69 confirmed cases in Victoria. Mr Bull said parliamentarians had been briefed that the spread will continue and it was inevitable that it would arrive in East Gippsland, if not already here. Accordingly, he advised East Gippslanders to remain vigilant, especially those walking or visiting beaches as the predominant cases were in seabirds. Mr Bull said there had been no detections in poultry or livestock in Australia and the risk to human health was low, but good biosecurity and early reporting is important. “It is not about alarm, rather vigilance. If you find a sick or dead bird, do not touch it. Record its location and, if safe to do so, take a photo or video and report it to Agriculture Victoria. “Poultry owners should also take steps to prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and maintain good biosecurity practices,” Mr Bull said. Suspected sick or dead wildlife can be reported to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. For the latest information and up to date advice, visit Agriculture Victoria’s H5 bird flu information page. Friday, 14 August 2026

State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is seeking urgent clarification from the Victorian Labor Government following reports that the Gippsland Smile Squad specialist dental hub is no longer providing essential treatment for children across the region. Mr Bull said concerned parents had contacted him claiming families were now being forced to travel to Melbourne for specialist dental care. "If these reports are correct, it represents a major step backwards for regional families. "The Government promoted these specialist hubs on the basis that children in regional Victoria would no longer have to travel long distances to Melbourne for treatment. "In fact, the Department's own website specifically states that these hubs mean regional children no longer need to make that journey." Mr Bull said he had asked the Minister for Health whether the reports were accurate and, if so, what action was being taken to restore local specialist services. "Families already face enough challenges accessing specialist healthcare without adding hundreds of kilometres of travel." "Regional children deserve the same access to essential healthcare as those living in Melbourne." Caption: Concerns over access to specialist child dental services have been raised in the Victorian Parliament by The Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull. Wednesday, 12 August 2026