By Callum Ludwig
Star Mail reporters recently attended a lunch with the Rural Press Club of Victoria to discuss issues important to rural and regional Victorians, with Premier Daniel Andrews the special guest.
Following an address from Mr Andrews, a Q and A was held and journalists and other attendees had the opportunity to ask Mr Andrews about some of their most pressing matters.
In his address, Mr Andrews highlighted the importance of regional Victoria to the state economy.
“Regional Victoria is a powerhouse in it’s own right, its worth over $85 billion dollars to the state economy,” he said.
“That’s why we have spent over $36 billion in Regional Victoria since forming government in 2014.”
Mr Andrews grew up in regional Victoria himself, being raised in Wangaratta.
Following the recent reshuffle of the Victorian cabinet, Mr Andrews also welcomed Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing to her new role as Minister for Water, Regional Development and Equality and wished her well in her recovery from Covid, and welcomed Gayle Tierney to the role of Minister for Agriculture, who was in attendance.
The standard of regional roads was another key concern.
“Can’t have a conversation with a regional Victorian without talking about regional roads, I know that, I get that,” Mr Andrews said.
Heading into the Q and A, the first question questioned Mr Andrews on the frustrating length of time it can take media personnel to receive a response from the office of ministers.
“Ultimately there’s a bit of tension, there always is,” Mr Andrews said.
“But overall we want more voices, not less, so we welcome that.”
Following the election of a Federal Labor Government, Mr Andrews was asked what it could mean for partnerships in transport, health and education projects.
“I’ve known the prime minister for 25 years, he’s a good person and a person of urgency,” Mr Andrews said.
“We are not here to occupy the show, we are here to get stuff done.”
The importance of agriculture in Victoria was also discussed, with questions of whether farmers can expect stability going forward after 4 Ministers for Agriculture since 2014 and 3 in just over the past 3 years. Victoria produces 29 per cent of the value of Australia’s agriculture production.
“Well, you could point to over the last few years having a new prime minister every 15 minutes or so,” he said.
“They are all outstanding ministers and women, and if Gayle does even half as good a job as she has done with TAFE and training, it’s in good hands.”
