Premier turned her back on community facing economic ruin

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has expressed deep disappointment that, three weeks on from the tragic shooting of two police officers in Porepunkah, Premier Jacinta Allan has offered no financial assistance to the community, despite multiple requests from Mr McCurdy for support and the economic fallout the region continues to face.

“First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the families of the officers who were shot, and our community continues to honour their service with the utmost respect,” Mr McCurdy said.

“But while we mourn, our businesses were being pushed to the brink, and the Premier was missing in action. Once again, regional Victoria was forgotten in a time of need.”

Although travel warnings to the area were eased over the weekend, uncertainty remains. The alleged gunman is still at large, tourists are hesitant to return, and local businesses face cancelled bookings, empty calendars, and no end in sight.

“We desperately need financial assistance now and a long-term plan to restore confidence in tourism,” one business owner told Mr McCurdy.

“For three weeks these communities have been left to shoulder the economic cost of this crisis alone,” he said.

“Power bills, wages, and mortgages don’t stop. Casual shifts have been cancelled, families are struggling to pay rent, and businesses are clinging on with no support from the State Government.”

Mr McCurdy said that, while mental health services are welcome, financial pressures are making the situation worse.

“It’s amazing how quickly mental health concerns ease when there’s financial stability. This community needs both, not empty silence from Spring Street.”

Mr McCurdy called on the Premier to act immediately: “The people of Porepunkah, Bright and the Ovens need certainty, they need support, and they need it now.”