Suzanna Sheed
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Regional Development Network Plan

July 30, 2015/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

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This morning I attended the Regional Development Network Plan stakeholder meeting in Shepparton.
The Minister for Public Transport was present and outlined the fact that although metropolitan areas have had network plans developed for them regional Victoria has not.
She sees this as an important step in determining the future public transport needs of regional Victoria.
Ms Allan welcomed everyone to the session which was then facilitated by a professional facilitator and PTV.
The model of the facilitation was stakeholders at round tables first of all identifying the principal issues and later developing ideas of how those issues could be addressed.

The main issues emerging from my point of view were:

  • the need for faster, more frequent rail services with better timetabling between Shepparton and Melbourne
  • much better connectivity between all other towns in the region to the rail hubs in particular Shepparton
  • the need to address the importance of east-west connectivity particularly between Shepparton and Bendigo as there are strong connections particularly for education and health reasons between the two towns

In looking at possible solutions there was emphasis on the government being able to address on a short term basis:

  • increased timetabling
  • infrastructure spend into the rail link between Shepparton and Seymour including a passing track and upgrades particularly at Shepparton station to enable an additional train to be stabled overnight in Shepparton

In terms of connectivity in the region there are many bus services that are underutilised and could provide more services.  There was discussion about the use of school buses which are so often left empty all day and the fact that for instance a school bus cannot pick up a young apprentice who might need to go into town for work even though he might have been a student on the bus the year before.

I was pleased with the attendance of the broad range of stakeholders at the meeting and the outcomes.  While the points raised were generally predicable it was informative to hear the strong emphasis on the connectivity within the region that was raised by stakeholders in addition to the need for better train services between Shepparton and Melbourne.

Your chance to contribute comes tonight, with an open community consultation session from 6pm at the Shepparton RSL.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-07-30 04:51:042020-02-07 02:46:49Regional Development Network Plan

Public Transport Victoria Community Consultation Reminder

July 28, 2015/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

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Just a reminder that you can help plan the future of public transport in our region at a community workshop on Thursday. This is your one and only chance to speak directly to Public Transport Victoria and ensure our demands for improved passenger rail services are heard.

I hope to see you all at the Shepparton RSL, 88 Wyndham St. 

6.00pm – 8.00pm Thursday 30 July 2015.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-07-28 05:58:102020-02-07 02:46:49Public Transport Victoria Community Consultation Reminder

Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

July 28, 2015/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

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Last week was a very interesting one!
I had the opportunity to catch up with Russell Savage, the independent member for Mildura in the Victorian Legislative Assembly for three terms.
It was interesting to hear of his experiences and get some advice.
In Brisbane I met with the chief executive of the Australian Horticultural Exporters Association, who arranged tours for me of the Brisbane Markets and the Port of Brisbane.
I found the information gathered all very useful given the proposed privatisation of the Port of Melbourne and the imminent relocation of the Footscray Market to its new location.
The drive home from Brisbane along the Newell Highway was magnificent and those Jerilderie plains were looking good with dark clouds hovering and some decent rainfall.

I have a big week coming up with our rail consultation sessions and visits from state government ministers.
I hope to see as many of you that can possibly make it to the Public Transport Victoria consultation on Thursday.
This is our chance to really have our say and put the case for better train services.
One of the jobs of a parliamentarian is to join a committee and where appropriate engage in parliamentary inquiries.
I am a member of the Family and Community Development Committee which is currently looking into how Victoria will deal with issues of abuse in disability services when the NDIS comes into operation.
The committee will be making recommendations soon.
You can find out more about the committee and this inquiry on the Parliament of Victoria website.
In other news I was disappointed with the food labelling proposals from the Federal Government, released last week.
As someone who goes to the supermarket about three times a week and regularly looks at food labels I do not think that the government’s response addresses the needs of the consumers.
I would be happy to hear the views of those of you who take an interest in this issue.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-07-28 05:48:392020-02-07 02:46:49Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

July 7, 2015/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

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Tomorrow we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings during the First World War and honour the sacrifices of those service men and women who helped forge our national identity.

I hope you will all take the time to remember the sacrifices made by these men and women, and all service personnel past and present.

I will be attending the dawn service in Shepparton, along with services in Barmah and Nathalia with a stop at Picola.

Yesterday I attended the Wilmot Road Primary School ANZAC event.

 

It was great to meet the students, many of whom have their own memories of war but are learning about the ANZAC’s for the first time.

Earlier in the week I attended a commemorative afternoon tea to honour the 22 nurses who trained at Mooroopna Base Hospital and served in World War I.

It was fascinating to discover their stories and meet some of the nurses, including Elsie Jones who was matron of the hospital until she enlisted in 1917, and their descendants.

On Wednesday I went to Benalla to visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to get a run down on their work.

Back in Shepparton I had a briefing from the Goulburn Murray Catchment Management Authority on their program to eradicate pests in the Barmah National Park.

On Thursday it was out to Numurkah to help launch the Quicksmart Literacy and Numeracy Program.

The intensive program is aimed at students struggling with foundation skills and I hope it’s a great success for the Numurkah Secondary School students involved.

During the week I also met with organisations including Ganbina, Tennis Victoria, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District and RiverConnect.

I heard from constituents about issues including organic waste bins, planned burns, school bus transport, farming development in Coomboona and mental health services.

I was also part of the SBS Insight program that was filmed in Shepparton last night.

The show will air on May 26th and will explore the high levels of youth unemployment in the region along with the future of our town.

It was so interesting to hear from young people in this community who have faced great struggles but have managed to turn their lives around.

I hope the program sparks debate in the community and that we can all work together to address the problems identified.

Suzanna.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-07-07 06:20:482020-02-07 02:46:48Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

July 7, 2015/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

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I was so pleased to spend time in several communities on ANZAC Day.

Barmah’s service was a particular highlight.

I also attended the very moving dawn service at Shepparton, dropped into the Picola Pub and attended the Nathalia service.

Thank you to everyone behind the scenes of these ANZAC Day services, you make them the great successes they are.

 

While in Barmah we also attended the Barmah Muster and the ANZAC ceremony at the Barmah Muster yards.

On Monday I was in Melbourne to meet with Minister for Regional Development and the Minister for Creative Industries to discuss the investment in a new SAM and funding arrangements with Regional Development Victoria.

It was then onto the Minister for Roads and Transport to lobby for investment in the Shepparton Bypass.

We need $20 million for the first stage and I am confident Minister Donnellan sees the merit in the project.

I was back in the electorate on Tuesday for a visit to the GrainCorp Oilseeds plant at Numurkah, followed by a visit to Pactum Dairy on Wednesday.

It was great to see some of you at the All Aboard Shepparton launch yesterday.

It’s so important to me that we tell the Minister for Public Transport why we need an improved rail service.

You can do that by sharing your story on the All Aboard Shepparton Facebook page and on Twitter.

And of course please join us on the 6.31am service to Melbourne on May 28, it’s so important we get a big group to show just how passionate we are about improving the rail service.

We’ll gather on the steps of parliament house before a group of representatives meet with the Minister for Public Transport.

Today I’ve been in Mansfield visiting the Mansfield Campus School run by Mansfield Autism Statewide Services.

It was wonderful to meet Dr Joan Curtis, the founder of this service.

It was of particular interest to me as there is also a campus of the school located at Dookie, currently servicing approximately 14 adolescents from my electorate.

There is a critical shortage of services for children and adults with autism in regional Victoria.

 And we ended the day with a visit to the Snobs Creek hatchery to view their operation.

Fisheries Victoria uses stock from this hatchery to re-stock our waterways.

I’m back in parliament next week, you can follow me on Twitter for rolling updates on what I’m up to there.

Suzanna.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-07-07 06:10:562020-02-07 02:46:48Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

July 7, 2015/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

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This week the Andrews Labor Government delivered their first budget.
While there wasn’t much in it for the Shepparton District it’s important to note that 96 per cent of the budget was fulfilling election promises made to marginal seats.
That said we can look forward to the Goulburn Valley Health redevelopment plan being finalised, with $1 million allocated.
I’ll be pushing for the government to invest in whatever development is decided will best meet the needs of this community now and into the future.
There was no funding for a desperately needed upgrade of Shepparton’s rail service, again not a surprise.
We need to show the Minister for Public Transport how desperately needed an upgrade of the Shepparton Passenger Rail Service is and I urge you all to join the All Aboard Shepparton campaign on May 28 to push the government to make a real investment in rail in this district.

It’s important to note there are many other buckets of funding we will benefit from in the budget including: $200 million Regional Jobs Fund, $50 million Back To Work Fund, $86.7 million to resurface deteriorating road surfaces, $300 million TAFE Rescue Fund, $18 million to expand and modernise rehabilitation services. And lots of great local services had their funding renewed including the Rural Housing Network Sustaining Tenancies at Risk (STAR) program and the Local Learning and Employment Network. This week in parliament I asked a constituency question calling for clarity surrounding roads and bridges funding. I used my adjournment debate to call attention to the dire state of our rail service, you can read my full speech via the link in yesterday’s post. And on Wednesday I used my member’s statement to draw the attention of the people of Victoria to some of the potential impacts of entering into the Transpacific Partnership Agreement. Yesterday in parliament we all donned a beanie as part of Brain Cancer Action Week. Brain cancer kills more people under 40 than any other cancer and you can support research via ‘Beanies for Brain Cancer’ at www.curebraincancer.org.au During my week in Melbourne I also met with ACSO to discuss their proposed rehabilitation facility in Shepparton. My office helped constituents with a variety of problems including housing issues specifically around domestic violence, mandatory organic green waste bins, school bus transport fees, potholes in Wunghnu, waiting times for dialysis machines at Goulburn Valley Health and compliance issues around certain certificate/training providers. And last weekend in Shepparton I attended the Rodney Neighbourhood Kindergarten garden opening and the Wesak Buddhist Festival. Next week I’m looking forward to getting out and about in the electorate, with lots of meetings and events planned.

Suzanna.

 

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-07-07 06:07:092020-02-07 02:46:48Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

July 7, 2015/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

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It was great to welcome the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, to the district on Friday.

During his first visit to the Shepparton District since his election Premier Andrews officially opened the high speed snack line at SPC.

The Victorian Government contributed $22 million to the modernisation and renewal project, which was a co-investment with SPC’s parent company, Coca-Cola Amatil.

The project safeguards jobs at SPC and enables SPC to increase its range of consumer-ready products.

 

Increased demand for SPC products across the globe is good news for everyone in this region, including the Goulburn Valley producers who supply them.
We then met with Greater Shepparton City Council before a quick lunch at Teller with community stakeholders.

Earlier in the week I attended a briefing on the budget and new legislation to be brought before parliament this week.
I also attended my first meeting as a member of the Family and Community Development Committee.

On Wednesday I was pleased to open the Water Technology Cluster Irrigation and Energy Expo, a fantastic event showcasing new innovations to improve water efficiency.

And during the past few days I’ve also met with the Committee for Greater Shepparton, GV Health to work on their redevelopment master plan and the Clontarf Foundation.

My office heard from constituents on issues including banning smoking at bus stops, Lyme Disease, Greyhound racing, bus route access for the elderly, chemical drift from agriculture spraying and mental illness.

On Thursday the All Aboard Shepparton campaign will take its demands to Spring Street, I hope to see lots of you on board the 6.30am train to Melbourne!

Suzanna.

 

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-07-07 06:04:212020-02-07 02:46:47Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

July 7, 2015/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

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Volunteers are the lifeblood of this community and I would like to thank all the people in this district who roll up their sleeves and donate their time.

Today marks the end of National Volunteer Week and I spent Friday morning with some of the wonderful volunteers at the Caroline Chisholm Celebrating Volunteers event.

I urge you all to follow their example and volunteer your time and expertise, whether it’s helping your local sporting club or becoming a youth mentor, every little bit helps make this community stronger.

Another highlight of the week was the GoTafe Recognition Luncheon, celebrating the achievement of outstanding students from 2014.

Throughout the week I met with representatives from organisations including the Community Fund Goulburn Valley, Goulburn Murray Water, Hume Region Homelessness Network, Parks Victoria and the Bangerang Cultural Centre.

Constituents raised issues surrounding alpine grazing, lowering the driving age, rising energy costs, WorkSafe, Ice, the lack of mental health services and duck shooting.

And of course the All Aboard Shepparton campaign continues to gather steam.

Visit the All Aboard Shepparton Facebook page to share your story.

And don’t forget to buy your ticket on the May 28 6.30am train to Melbourne to help us push the government to invest in a more frequent rail service for this region.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-07-07 05:55:442020-02-07 02:46:47Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

July 7, 2015/0 Comments/in Blog, Latest News /by Suzanna Sheed

 

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This week was the final sitting week in parliament before winter break; it’s been a huge learning curve but a very interesting journey so far.
I was pleased to get the opportunity to speak on the Victorian 2015-16 budget.
I highlighted the great inequity in spending on health, education, roads and training in the Shepparton electorate when compared to other marginal seats.
You can read my full speech at http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/23b5068c-3c1c-40c6-85e8-1cf9d73edd53/1/doc/
Earlier in the week I attended the Family and Community Development committee public hearings and the State Parliament Ramadan Iftar Dinner.
The annual dinner, co-hosted by the major parties and the Australian Intercultural Society, aims to enhance the relationships between Australian Muslims and members of the wider community.
It was great to see Imran Syed from the Sadaat Foundation and Goulburn Valley Police Region Superintendent Mick Sayer there.

On Wednesday I used my Members Statement to highlight the Numurkah community’s great work following the opening of their new hospital. You can read the full statement at http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/899c6832-2dd3-4002-bb31-ef2e9bd9e870/1/doc/ Thursday morning got off to a great start with the Puppies and Pancakes event, hosted by Guide Dogs Victoria. These cute puppies, like 10-week-old Aysha, will grow up to be the eyes for vision impaired people throughout the state. The demand for services is constantly rising. In the last two years Guide Dogs Victoria has had to increase programs by 60 per cent to meet demand. Their Kew campus also needs modernisation and as a non-profit organisation they need help from the government and the community. For more information or to donate visit www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au On Thursday afternoon I met with Odyssey House to talk about their alcohol and drug support services, the impact of ice and the services they provide across the state. Throughout the sitting week I also met with crossbenchers, had procedural briefings and briefings on upcoming legislation. My office also heard from constituents regarding the sale of exotic birds, alternative heating during power outages, the shortage of mental health resources in Shepparton and grants for local sporting clubs. Last night I was pleased to attend the Rotary Club of Shepparton changeover dinner, congratulations to all new and retiring members.

Suzanna.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-07-07 05:51:332020-02-07 02:46:47Suzanna’s Weekly Blog

Sheed urges Government to push on with new country-of-origin labelling laws

July 7, 2015/0 Comments/in Media Releases /by Suzanna Sheed

Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has urged the Federal Government to push on with new country-of-origin labelling following their decision to delay the scheme.

Ms Sheed said she hoped the delay was to ensure the new scheme was suitable and not to placate some food and beverage manufacturers who want the scheme scrapped due to cost concerns.

“The Federal Minister for Industry has said they want to consumer test the ideas they have and ensure the new labels do not break international trade rules and I accept that,” she said.

“We don’t want a knee jerk response from government that is meaningless; we need to get this new system right.”

The Prime Minister pledged an overhaul of food labelling by the end of the month in the wake of this year’s frozen berry Hepatitis A scare.

But a proposal was taken to Cabinet late last month to delay the changes until August.

The new labels would not hit shelves until next year.

“We need to be sure that this proposal is not dropped or watered down just because industry is concerned about the associated costs,” Ms Sheed said.

“This is too important to let it just slip off the radar until another health scare associated with imported products.”

The new labels are expected to involve a simple graphic clearly indicating the percentages of Australian and imported content.

“The reality is there are conditions under which food is grown in a number of countries that are not up to Australian standards,” Ms Sheed said.

"We need a clear labelling system that shows what the product is, where it was processed and where the ingredients were grown to make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they are buying.”

The government has also been investigating app technologies as part of the new system.

Consumers could scan bar codes on their smartphones for an extensive story about the product’s origins that would be too long to fit on labels.

Ms Sheed said in the meantime consumers could buy from businesses like SPC, who have introduced new labels featuring the company’s Victorian growers.

“The Goulburn Valley produces some of the cleanest, greenest and safest food in the world,” Ms Sheed said.

“Australians want to buy Australian and support local producers so until a new labelling scheme is introduced they should look to local producers and manufacturers like SPC.”

“The Federal Minister for Industry has said they want to consumer test the ideas they have and ensure the new labels do not break international trade rules and I accept that,” she said.

“We don’t want a knee jerk response from government that is meaningless; we need to get this new system right.”

The Prime Minister pledged an overhaul of food labelling by the end of the month in the wake of this year’s frozen berry Hepatitis A scare.

But a proposal was taken to Cabinet late last month to delay the changes until August.
The new labels would not hit shelves until next year.

“We need to be sure that this proposal is not dropped or watered down just because industry is concerned about the associated costs,” Ms Sheed said.

“This is too important to let it just slip off the radar until another health scare associated with imported products.”

The new labels are expected to involve a simple graphic clearly indicating the percentages of Australian and imported content.

“The reality is there are conditions under which food is grown in a number of countries that are not up to Australian standards,” Ms Sheed said.

"We need a clear labelling system that shows what the product is, where it was processed and where the ingredients were grown to make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they are buying.”

The government has also been investigating app technologies as part of the new system.

Consumers could scan bar codes on their smartphones for an extensive story about the product’s origins that would be too long to fit on labels.

Ms Sheed said in the meantime consumers could buy from businesses like SPC, who have introduced new labels featuring the company’s Victorian growers.

“The Goulburn Valley produces some of the cleanest, greenest and safest food in the world,” Ms Sheed said.

“Australians want to buy Australian and support local producers so until a new labelling scheme is introduced they should look to local producers and manufacturers like SPC.”

2 April 2015

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2015-07-07 05:38:072020-02-07 02:45:12Sheed urges Government to push on with new country-of-origin labelling laws
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