$15 billion questions remain after cabinet changes

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has expressed deep disappointment following Premier Jacinta Allan’s cabinet reshuffle, warning it raises more questions than answers on integrity and accountability.

Mr McCurdy said Victorians, particularly those in regional communities such as Ovens Valley, would be rightly concerned about the continued links to the CFMEU, given the staggering $15 billion of taxpayer money that has flowed into major projects plagued by allegations of corruption.

“Instead of addressing these issues head-on, the Premier and her 'new-look' cabinet seem more focused on playing word games, continuously repeating phrases like ‘new solutions’ and ‘integrity’, rather than having or delivering either.”

Mr McCurdy said the promotion of individuals with known associations to controversial figures tied to the CFMEU only deepens community concern and shows a blatant lack of regard to those who have been directly impacted. 

“Allegations of organised crime infiltration, cost blowouts of up to 30 per cent, and improper conduct on major infrastructure projects cannot simply be brushed aside with a reshuffle.”

Mr McCurdy said while Melbourne may be the focus of these decisions, regional Victorians are the ones footing the bill.

“Every dollar wasted in the city is a dollar not spent fixing the catastrophic state of our roads, upgrading our tired hospitals or investing in our outdated schools,” he said.

“Despite the reshuffle, it’s still the same circus, just a few different clowns, and nothing changes for regional Victorians.”