I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a great start to the New Year! Looking back, 2025 was an action-packed year for our region and for Victoria.
It’s now been three years since I was elected to the Upper House of the Victorian Parliament. Serving as the Member for Northern Victoria is an honour, and every day I’m reminded of the resilience and generosity of the people who call this region home.
Following the catastrophic fire conditions in recent days, it’s an important reminder of the incredible effort and sacrifice that our CFA volunteers make. To all those who responded or who stood ready to assist, thank you for all you do to keep our community safe.
As part of the Nationals team, I’m committed to standing up for the interests of regional communities. Politics isn’t just about what you oppose. It’s about what you stand for. That’s why I’ve worked hard to advocate for practical solutions that make life better for families, farmers, and small businesses across Northern Victoria.
I am grateful for the opportunity to represent our region, to listen to people’s stories, to understand the challenges and issues being faced, and hear about local ideas to remedy these issues and to better advocate for our region.
The past 12 months has been a busy time for state parliament. The Liberals and Nationals put forward legislation to strengthen Victoria’s bail laws, introduce a permit to protest system, and strengthen protections to keep our children safe, all of which Labor voted against.
In response to concerns raised about transmission lines and renewable energy projects, I also moved a motion in parliament highlighting the fact that Victoria faces energy insecurity due to poor planning and delivery under the Allan Labor Government.
The Auditor General’s December 2025 report, Managing the Transition to Renewable Energy found that according to the Government’s own risk framework, the likelihood of a ‘disorderly energy transition’ is ‘significant, severe/almost certain’ and could result in supply disruptions, price volatility for households and businesses, community resentment and job losses.
A family near Wedderburn contacted me about reducing the probationary driving licence age to 17 years, in line with every other Australian state and territory, and I sponsored a petition in Parliament and have continued to advocate on this issue.
I’ve championed issues that matter locally, from better roads and health services to stronger support for our emergency volunteers.
But standing up for our region this past year has also meant protecting Victorians from bad legislation. The Allan Labor Government introduced a series of measures that will hurt regional communities, and we campaigned strongly against them in 2025.
- Emergency Services Tax: We opposed this new tax and have committed to scrapping it under a Liberals and Nationals government. Emergency services should be funded properly without adding extra costs to families.
- Statewide Treaty Bill: This bill establishes a separate system of law and regulation based on race. It creates a statutory authority with far-reaching powers, exempt from ministerial oversight and key public accountability measures. We opposed this legislation and will repeal it under a future Liberals and Nationals government.
- Property Rights: Labor’s changes allow transmission companies to enter farmland and impose heavy fines on landowners who object. We fought against these unfair laws because farmers deserve certainty and respect.
- Planning Amendment Bill: This bill strips away community input by expanding ministerial powers and removing pathways for locals to object to inappropriate developments. We believe communities should have a say in shaping their neighbourhoods.
- Anti-Vilification Laws: Labor’s reforms undermine freedom of speech. We opposed the bill and debated the legislation until 3.30am, but the billed passed with the support of the Greens.
- National Parks Expansion: Labor’s decision to convert more state forests into national parks removes opportunities for firewood collection and gold prospecting – activities that matter to regional families.
- Voluntary Assisted Dying Expansion: I used my conscience vote to oppose this change and called for greater investment in palliative care services in regional areas.
- New Taxes and Charges: From a car park congestion levy to doubling pet registration fees, Labor continues to push up costs. Since 2014, they’ve introduced or increased nearly 70 taxes, making Victoria the highest-taxed state in the nation.
In March of last year, I spoke in Parliament about the horrific attacks on our Jewish community and the ongoing protests in Melbourne, and highlighted the need to enforce current laws, reform bail laws, and reinstate move on powers for Victoria police.
What happened at Bondi was a horrific attack that affects us all. To honour the 15 innocent victims who lost their lives, we need to stop the spread of hateful ideology and hold fast to Australian values that ensure freedom for all.
At the same time, Victoria’s crime rate continues to skyrocket, and we remain committed to working with the Government to introduce the reforms needed to keep our community safe.
Looking ahead to the state election in November, Victorians will have a clear choice. A future Liberals and Nationals Government is committed to:
- Getting the budget back under control so we can invest in the things that matter
- Ending the crime crisis and prioritising community safety
- Making sure that Victorians can access the quality health care that they need, and
- Giving every Victorian the best opportunity to own their own home.
We’ve also pledged to restore proper funding for frontline emergency services and prioritise upgrades to CFA stations, trucks, and equipment across regional Victoria.
After a decade of waste and reckless spending, Victoria’s net debt is growing by $1.7 million an hour and is forecast to hit $192.6 billion by 2028-29. These financial pressures, combined with Labor’s endless new taxes, are driving up the cost of living at a time when families can least afford it.
Victoria needs a fresh start. With your support, I’m committed to delivering the changes our state desperately needs and ensuring that regional voices are heard loud and clear.
Please contact me if you have ideas, feedback or concerns, or if you need assistance with a state government issue.
Gaelle Broad MP
Nationals Member for Northern Victoria
