The Allan Government’s contentious VicGrid energy transmission legislation has passed parliament, with the support of crossbench MPs from the Greens, Cannabis Party and Animal Justice Party.
Opposing the legislation The Nationals’ Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government’s new sweeping powers as it erodes property rights, transparency, and the democratic process in regional Victoria.
“Labor’s VicGrid legislation will have dire consequences for primary producers, rural communities and our billion-dollar agriculture industry.
“The Bill is not reform, it’s a complete overreach that hands state government authorities sweeping powers to issue ‘special orders’ without any consultation or explanation.
“Labor calls it ‘cutting red tape’ but the reality is government appointed operators will be legally allowed to cut locks, enter farms without consent, and impose heavy fines if landholders refuse access to their private property.”
Ms Bath said Labor has silenced regional voices and denied communities of their right to be heard.
“It strips regional Victorians of their capability to appeal through VCAT and shields VicGrid from scrutiny by exempting it from Freedom of Information laws, blocking access to vital documents.
“The Nationals are not opposed to renewable energy projects and transmission infrastructure, but these projects should not occur at the expense of country communities and our food and fibre industry.
“True to form, Labor is again punishing the very people who put food on our tables, fibre on our backs, and prosperity in our communities.”
The Nationals have pledged that if elected in 2026, they will repeal the legislation and restore landholder rights, including access to VCAT to challenge inappropriate renewable energy and transmission developments.
