The Nationals’ Melina Bath said regional Victorians have been overlooked for far too long, with communities in eastern Victoria missing out on critical infrastructure while Melbourne takes the lion’s share of spending.
Ms Bath said The Nationals in government will restore fairness through a new Fair Share Guarantee, ensuring regional Victoria receives 25 per cent of all new government infrastructure spending, reflecting the fact that one in four Victorians live in regional communities.
“For years, Labor has neglected regional Victorians, treating them as an afterthought,” Ms Bath said.
“Regional families pay their taxes just like everyone else, yet our communities continue to be short‑changed while billions are poured into Melbourne projects.”
Under the Fair Share Guarantee, 25 per cent of all new Victorian Government infrastructure expenditure would be directed towards regional projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, emergency services, mental health facilities and other essential community infrastructure.
Independent Parliamentary Budget Office analysis found that less than 12 per cent of infrastructure spending in the 2025–26 state budget was allocated to regional Victoria.
Ms Bath said communities throughout the region understood the consequences of being underfunded.
“Our region contributes enormously to Victoria through agriculture, tourism and small business, yet we continue to miss out on the investment we deserve” .
“This is not a promise, it’s a guarantee that will ensure regional Victorians will finally get their fair share.
“I want to make sure eastern Victorians receive the infrastructure, investment and support they need after years of being overlooked by Labor.”