Letters

Electricity prices surge FAMILIES and businesses across the region are bracing for further electricity price hikes, as the Essential Services Commission (ESC) has proposed new rates for 2025/26 under the Victorian Default Offer. This announcement highlights the direct impact of State Government policies and confirms that electricity costs will continue to rise, further straining households already facing a cost-of-living crisis. With many families and small businesses already struggling, these increases will only add to their financial burden. The new rates will see household electricity bills rise by up to $68 in some areas, while small businesses may face increases of up to $128. Over the past few years, electricity prices have soared by nearly 30 per cent, and there’s no sign they’ll return to affordable levels anytime soon. In this environment, it’s crucial for households to shop around and explore all options, as some energy providers may offer better rates. Every dollar saved matters during a cost-of-living crisis. Labor’s failure to effectively manage the energy sector is costing Victorians dearly, and without a change in approach, families and businesses will continue to feel the impact of rising power prices. Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa Ineptitude NOW that 3G has gone away, the state of things, as many say, reveals that something's wrong. I don't care if they think I'm rude, but I call it ineptitude (someone should get the gong). When mobile phones keep dropping out and internet is up the spout, then something is askew; but getting things in such a mess and causing customers distress is really nothing new. I wonder, how much did they spend (or waste) to give us, in the end, this 4G straight from hell? What could be proffered in defense of this kind of incompetence? I doubt that they can tell. Craig Penny Annual dead bird display ON Monday the Coalition Against Duck Shooting (CADS) displayed over 250 dead waterbirds, including threatened species, outside the Victorian Premier’s office. These included illegally shot threatened species and represented just a tiny fraction of all birds that are illegally shot and left wounded across Victoria. Our on-site veterinarians suggested a number of the cormorants rescued from Lake Marmal in northwest Victoria should be tested in Melbourne for avian flu before we displayed the birds - the tests came back negative. Threatened birds include the rare freckled ducks and blue-winged shoveler, recovered by rescuers in just the first few days of the season, at only two wetlands. Sixty wounded birds were treated on-site in a mobile veterinary clinic. Premier Jacinta Allan must take responsibility for the unnecessary violence and cruelty inflicted on Australia’s native waterbirds. Recreational duck shooting has been banned on wetlands in the Euroa district due to a recent outbreak of the H7N8 bird flu infecting four poultry farms. The experts have warned that people should avoid handling or disturbing any wild birds which could be infected with bird flu. Instead of misspending public funds of around $11 million this year to support duck shooters who make up less than 0.2 per cent of the state’s population, it is time to follow the three more progressive Labor states where duck shooting is banned. Laurie Levy, CADS Director Not coming to the party WITH the federal election called for 3 May, I am asking the people of this region to back me in as their Independent Member of Parliament. While the major parties play politics, I’m always working for Indi - I am fighting for Indi. There’s no big party telling me how to vote, or telling me I can’t fight for something because it’s not on their list. We set our own priorities right here in Indi and I’ll keep fighting for a fair deal for us and for regional Australia. At a time when people feel powerless in the face of global uncertainty, we are showing how being independent works for Indi. Community leadership works. It delivers. And it is needed now more than ever. I’ve got a strong track record and (have) worked across party lines and with governments of both stripes. Whether that’s been fighting for stranded communities during the pandemic, relief for communities impacted by bushfires, shaping the national agenda with housing solutions, and securing a National Anti-Corruption Commission, I’ve had local impact and national influence. And while the big parties might want to wish independents away and try to discredit us, more and more people are sick of the major parties and their self-interest. My pledge to Indi is clear - I’ll keep fighting for you. I’ll keep fighting for the hospital we need and deserve on the border, infrastructure our towns need to unlock new housing and improve health services, access to childcare, and better telecommunications. I’ll keep working to make the government more accountable and transparent, to restore integrity and stamp out corruption. That’s why being Independent works for Indi. Dr Helen Haines, Independent Member for Indi

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