Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says Wimmera and Grampians community members’ anger is running hot, as bushfire-related closures of tourism trade – without compensation – sends stretched businesses to the wall.

Businesses in Halls Gap were forced to close due to fires during their peak Christmas – New Year period, and other communities like Dimboola were cut off during the Australia Day long weekend.  Federal funding exists for disaster-related losses, but relies on State Premiers to write to the Prime Minister seeking support. 

“North Queensland’s floods started on 29 January, their new Premier got cracking seeking the Category C and D relief communities and business need – and it was granted 15 days later, on Thursday,” Dr Webster said.

“Damningly for the Allan Labor Government, after Halls Gap was closed over 60 days ago and the Little Desert fires began 20 days ago, I understand the Victorian Premier has not asked the Prime Minister for the same support.

“I spoke this week with Rabbi Moshe about the fire’s destruction of the Little Desert Nature Lodge near Nhill and it is heartbreaking.

“During the recent sitting fortnight in Canberra, I went to the Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister to discuss this delay.  The Federal Government says it is standing ready and waiting to assist.

“Someone should be looking for a new job after this maladministration maelstrom, and frankly the buck stops with the state Ministers and Premiers.  If the Queensland Premier can access the federal support within 15 days, why is it taking the Allan Government four times as long for Halls Gap?”

“The Allan Government sadly has form here, with similar delays for Dadswells Bridge after last February’s fires.  You can not help but get the impression they do not give a flying razoo about regional Victoria.”