Regional Victorians ignored in Labor’s transport push

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says recent cost-of-living measures announced by Labor highlight a growing disconnect with regional Victoria, with free public transport doing little to support those who need it most.

Mr McCurdy said the Federal Government’s temporary fuel excise cut, delivered after sustained pressure from The Nationals and Liberals, was a necessary step, but had come too late for many regional families and businesses already under strain.

“We’ve been calling for practical relief that actually reaches people in regional communities,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Free public transport might help some in Melbourne, but it does nothing for a farmer in the Ovens Valley, a tradie on the road, or small businesses that rely on their vehicles every day.”

Mr McCurdy said the reality for regional Victorians is that public transport is often unavailable, impractical, or simply doesn’t exist.

“People in our communities rely on their cars, there is no alternative. This is a one-size-fits-all policy that shows just how out of touch the Labor Government is with life outside the city.”

He said while the excise cut would provide some relief at the bowser, it underscores how long regional Victorians have been left waiting for meaningful support.

“It shouldn’t take weeks of pressure for governments to act when families and businesses are doing it tough,” he said.

Mr McCurdy said regional communities deserve policies that reflect their reality, not metropolitan-focused announcements.

“We need decisions that support the whole state, not just the city,” he said.

“I’ll continue to fight for practical measures that back our farmers, support local businesses, and deliver real cost-of-living relief for regional Victorians.”

CAPTION: Tim McCurdy travelling on a busy train from Melbourne to Wangaratta.