Sheed calls on Federal Government to release Keelty report

/in

Independent Member for the Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has called on the Federal Minister for Water Keith Pitt to release the findings of the Inspector-General of Murray–Darling Basin Water Resources Mick Keelty’s inquiry into water sharing-arrangements between the states.

“We are in the midst of a crisis, but that does not mean extremely important information, such as the findings of this inquiry, can be buried for six months,” Ms Sheed said.

“I am concerned that Federal Parliament will not sit until October and the be outcomes of various reports and inquiries may be put on the back burner during the pandemic response.
Mr Keelty’s inquiry is too important to remain on Minister Pitt’s desk, according to Ms Sheed.

“I have written to Minister Pitt and called on him to make this advice available publicly and as a matter of urgency following his receiving it. As Mr Keelty currently has no statutory appointment his advice is not a document that needs to be tabled in Parliament which in any event would be very difficult in the current circumstances.

“I am informed that this document does not require tabling in either house of the Federal Parliament and accordingly it will be in the Minister’s hands to make it available,” Ms Sheed said.

“The Minister must know that access to water in the Southern Basin is critical to food production such as, dairy products, rice, wheat and other cereals not to mention the huge variety of fruit and vegetables being produced.

“Water policy is arguably now more important as a result of the Coronavirus crisis, not less.

“If Mr Keelty’s findings indicate that change is needed in how we distribute water, then we must be given the opportunity to assess the recommendations and see what is achievable.”

ENDS

Media contact

Myles Peterson 0467 035 840│myles.peterson@suzannasheed.com.au

Click here for PDF version

Sheed calls on Premier to support regional media through Coronavirus crisis

/in

Independent Member for the Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has made an urgent request to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to support regional media at this critical time.

“I was shocked to see The Great Southern Star, Yarram Standard and Sunraysia Daily closed this week at the very time when their respective communities need them,” Ms Sheed said.

“We’ve known for a long-time regional media is in trouble. The Premier and I both attended the Victorian Country Press Association conference late last year where we both heard of the dire state of the industry.”

Rural and regional newspapers, many of them locally owned, are vital in providing accurate and trustworthy information for their communities both in print and online, from court reporting and coverage of local politics to keeping corruption in check, according to Ms Sheed.

“I have contacted the Premier today and requested we find a way to keep regional media afloat as their traditional revenue streams are attacked by the Coronavirus crisis, just as many other businesses are suffering,” Ms Sheed said.

“While the ABC is a valuable source of information, it cannot breach the gap of the hundreds of journalists across the state employed in their respective communities that provide valuable and trusted information; information that is sorely needed during this unprecedented Coronavirus crisis.

“Victorian regional media has been suffering under the threat of digital disruption for more than a decade and many have taken significant steps to diversifying their business and move to their own digital platforms. However, I am extremely concerned this latest crisis will accelerate closures at the exact moment we are relying on them the most.”

ENDS

Media contact

Myles Peterson 0467 035 840│myles.peterson@suzannasheed.com.au

Click here for PDF version

Sheed thanks State and Federal Governments for decisive action

/in

Independent Member for the Shepparton District has thanked Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for their latest rounds of decisive financial actions aimed at assisting local families and businesses help combat the effects of Coronavirus with unprecedented economic packages.

“We are in uncharted waters – there has been no event of this magnitude in my lifetime and on behalf of my electorate I would like to thank the state and federal governments for acting with such deliberation in relation to the serious financial concerns people have,” Ms Sheed said.

Included in the massive expenditure is a refund of payroll tax for the 2019-20 financial year to small and medium-sized businesses, totalling $550 million. The state government will also pay all its outstanding invoices, releasing another $750 million and has allocated $500 million to help transition workers facing job losses.

Meanwhile the federal government has announced $189 billion in stimulus, around 10 per cent of the country’s total gross domestic product.

This package includes a $550 fortnightly payment to recipients of the JobSeeker Payment (formerly Newstart), Youth Allowance jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.

“This Coronavirus supplement will see a very real and tangible benefit for our most vulnerable, effectively doubling the income in some cases for those out of work and providing a badly needed element of security for those facing job losses,” Ms Sheed said.

“I encourage anyone facing the loss of their job to contact Centrelink immediately so they themselves and their families can be afforded a level of economic protection.

“The state government is also attempting to rapidly retrain people who have lost their job as a result of the Coronavirus response, including work cleaning public infrastructure or delivering food.
“We are all in this together and together we will get through this. Recent moves by our governments give me some confidence and businesses throughout the region need to plan for riding this out where possible,” Ms Sheed said.

ENDS

Media contact

Myles Peterson 0467 035 840│myles.peterson@suzannasheed.com.au

Click here for PDF version

 

Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter IWD Award

/in

Members Statement – Last week the Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Advisory Committee announced Thelma Bull as its 2020 GSWCAC Women’s Award recipient at the Greater Shepparton International Women’s Day event. The award recognises those who have made a positive impact upon women and the Greater Shepparton community through their positive actions which embrace diversity, inspire and encourage women.

Thelma helps those most vulnerable within our community, working as a sergeant in the family violence investigation unit and is a strong advocate for gender equality and the prevention of family violence. She is the chair of the Greater Shepparton Family Violence Prevention Network, and with 28 years of service as a policewoman she is a key driver for community awareness through the 16 days of activism and gender equity and social inclusive initiative. Thelma is an admirable role model, who gives so much of her time, energy and love to our community to make it a better place to be. I congratulate Thelma and thank her for her continued service to our community.

To nominees Genevieve Simson and Zahra Haydar Big: thank you for the work and service you also give to our community. Genevieve is empowering our students, her peers and community to achieve the best possible outcomes in their education. Her generosity extends to mentoring female teachers and young women to build confidence in their ability to navigate potential opportunities. Zahra Haydar Big is empowering women within our CALD community, working as a community hub leader at Gowrie Street Primary School. She works tirelessly to foster relationships and partnerships to enable opportunities for local women to participate in our community, and supports them to achieve their goals and build confidence.

Click here to view this record on Hansard

Sheed welcomes COVID-19 state government funding for homelessnes

/in

Independent Member for the Shepparton District has welcomed a $6 million commitment from Minister for Housing Richard Wynne to help the plight of people experiencing homelessness during the Coronavirus crisis but has expressed concerns the not-for-profit charity sector is suffering staff losses.

“I am extremely concerned by the plight of the homeless during this crisis,” Ms Sheed said.

“The Shepparton District was particularly hard hit by homelessness before the Coronavirus pandemic and I am seeing some very worrying trends emerging as the crisis unfolds.

“Shortages in crisis accommodation and emergency food services were apparent prior to the COVID-19 spread. Now volunteer staff, many of them elderly, are being sent home, services are being stretched to breaking point and donated food supplies are becoming erratic. We need a very deliberate government response to assist these incredibly vulnerable members of our community.”

While making up less than 10 per cent of people experiencing homelessness, Ms Sheed said she was particularly concerned about the plight of rough sleepers.

“These are the most vulnerable. They are generally in poor health. They have limited access to medical care and they cannot self-isolate. If COVID-19 gets into this population the results will be dire.”

Ms Sheed also called for community assistance.

“We know local organisations in the Shepparton District such as FoodShare were struggling before the pandemic and now even more so.

“Donations are desperately needed. Look after yourselves and your own family first, but if you have the capacity, please consider donating any excess stocks of canned foods and hygiene supplies to our local charity organisations.

“Together, we can get through this crisis and together we can lessen the impact on the homeless.”

ENDS

Media contact

Myles Peterson 0467 035 840│myles.peterson@suzannasheed.com.au

Click here for PDF version

Sheed excludes herself from sitting week as COVID-19 precaution

/in

Independent Member for the Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has excluded herself from the Victorian Parliamentary sitting week as a precaution against the risk posed by COVID-19.

“I do not take this step lightly,” Ms Sheed said.

“Due to my age – I am in my mid-60s – and an immune-suppressant medication prescription, I am in a high-risk category should I contract coronavirus. My husband is also high-risk and at this time I am taking every precaution to limit our exposure to the virus.

“My office will be operating with all the necessary precautions unless we are instructed otherwise by the Legislative Assembly Speaker Colin Brooks. Anyone with inquiries regarding the state government’s response to COVID-19 or any other state government matter is welcome to contact the office.

“We have been working hard to reach out to various community organisation, particularly those dealing with vulnerable people, to see if we can assist or pass on any relevant information to the government.”

Ms Sheed called on the community to be particularly mindful of the medical expert evidence regarding COVID-19.

“Fortunately for many people the experts are telling us symptoms will be mild. However, for around 20 per cent of the community this reportedly will not be the case and for around two to three per cent the outcome can be deadly,” Ms Sheed said.

“We are taking disruptive measures such as closing concerts and sporting events and the list is increasing regularly, to protect those who are vulnerable to the virus.”

Without continued containment measures the Victorian health system runs the risk of being overwhelmed, according to Ms Sheed.

“Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton has indicated there will be further measures. It is likely the school holidays will be extended, and many businesses have already decided to have their employees work from home,” she said.

“All of these measures are designed to slow the rate of infection spread and relieve pressure on our health system. The longer we can spread out the rate of infection, the better our hospitals and frontline health workers will be able to cope.

“I encourage everyone to continue to listen to experts such as Dr Sutton and to obey the rules set down. If you are vulnerable, take extra precautions and for those with friends and family who are vulnerable, take extra precautions for them.”

ENDS

Media contact

Myles Peterson 0467 035 840│myles.peterson@parliament.com.au

Click here for PDF version

Sheed calls for improvements in sharing COVID-19 information in regional Victoria

/in

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed says she is extremely concerned about the potential spread of the coronavirus in our own local communities and calls for more direct information to be made available to everyone.

“I have noticed that on at least couple of occasions when important interviews are being given on ABC 774 in Melbourne with the Premier or the Chief health Officer that same interview is not being streamed through to our local regional ABC stations,” Ms Sheed said.

“It is important that people have the clearest and most up-to-date information at all stages just as occurred during the bushfires. I am concerned that this is not currently happening in some of our regional areas. I have now raised the matter with the Minister for Health’s adviser requesting that communication be increased in regional areas.

“We have all been told that the coronavirus is spreading rapidly and that the major impacts will be on the older and more vulnerable members of our communities. These people are our parents and grandparents, they are people that we love and care for and every step should be taken to ensure their protection. I am concerned that some of the messaging has been confused, delayed and lacking in clear direction for the community. We can take little comfort from the fact that we live in a rural community. We all travel as do our families and now all non-essential travel has been recommended against.

“We must now be vigilant in terms of following the health advice that is out there and taking even more precautions if you feel that it is necessary in your case.

“We must also look out for others in our community who we know maybe alone or more vulnerable and who may need some additional assistance with shopping and otherwise being prepared for quarantine periods or shutdowns.

“In country communities we know each other and now is the time for acting rationally and carefully to ensure the minimum level of risk to everyone we connect with and indeed for ourselves.”

ENDS

Media contact

Myles Peterson 0467 035 840│myles.peterson@suzannasheed.com.au

Click here for PDF version

Sheed calls for community action to help alleviate homelessness

/in

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has thanked the Victorian Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee for conducting a hearing in Shepparton on Wednesday and is calling on the community to assist with combating homelessness.

“This multi-party committee chaired by Fiona Patten MP is doing valuable work in examining the causes and potential solutions to one of the most critical issues both locally and in our state,” Ms Sheed said.

Ms Sheed noted the Shepparton region frequently featured in media reporting on homelessness, driven by 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics data that indicated the area had one of the worst instances of homelessness in the state.

“Because of this reporting and borne out of my own concerns, last year my office began a wideranging review into the local homelessness issue,” Ms Sheed said.

The review has entered its final phase and supports representations made to the Legislative Council that homelessness in the Shepparton District is increasing, driven by worsening housing affordability.

“My office has spoken to dozens of individuals and organisations and examined many different data-sets,” Ms Sheed said.

“One of the most telling sets of data was supplied by the local water authority, identifying hundreds of unoccupied houses in our region that are sitting idle. It is a terrible state of affairs that we have unused housing stock and a growing homelessness problem – but that also implies at least one potential solution.”

The next phase of her homelessness review will involve clearly identifying unused housing stock in the Shepparton District held by both private owners and the government to the extent that that is possible.

“And this is where our community can help. We’ve reached out to the private sector and put the question to government to identify as much of this unused stock as possible with an eye to returning it to the market or onto the social housing register.

“But I’m also keen to hear from any member of the public who knows of an unoccupied dwelling. We’ve all seen them. Many of us have these types of properties on our own street and I encourage anyone to contact my office with such a location. We will add these properties to our register and investigate through whatever means necessary the ownership status and how long the property has sat idle.

“There are many potential solutions to returning these properties to use, from building on the effective head-leasing work of organisations such as Beyond Housing to lobbying the government
Suzanna Sheed MP Phone: (03) 5831 6944 Fax: (03) 5831 6836

5 Vaughan Street Shepparton Vic 3630 suzanna.sheed@parliament.vic.gov.au
State Member of Parliament for Shepparton District
PAGE 2
to properly fund the Department of Health & Human Services to renovate and maintain their unused stock.

“While such measures may not solve homelessness in our region, they will in part reduce stress on local housing affordability and offer security to some of those presently experiencing homelessness.”

ENDS

Media contact

Myles Peterson 0467 035 840│myles.peterson@suzannasheed.com.au

Click here for PDF version

Sheed sounds warning on threats to regional media

/in

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has warned her parliamentary colleagues over the threat to democracy posed by ongoing declines in regional media resources, highlighted by the impending closure of Australian Associated Press.

“We are seeing terrible threats in relation to regional media. We have seen the closure of AAP, which employed something like 180 journalists nationwide, who supported not only our major print and online media organisations but many of the smaller ones,” Ms Sheed said.

“The impact of that will be really very hard-felt, and people are feeling very sad about that loss in the face of other losses and in the face of what has happened with the ABC.”

The loss of AAP will have a critical impact on rural and regional media reporting making the role of the ABC more important than ever, according to Ms Sheed. Just last year we saw WIN newsrooms shut down in Orange, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga and Queensland’s Wide Bay.

“A reported annual budget cut of $105.9 million to the ABC is putting the National Broadcaster under enormous pressure,” Ms Sheed said.

“Vital coverage of the devastating bushfires before and during last summer cost an additional $3 million ABC Managing Director David Anderson has said and combined that organisation is facing cuts to content and jobs.”

Currently, the Victorian Government Regional Communication Policy requires that government departments and agencies place 15 per cent of their annual campaign media expenditure with regional and rural media.

“To ensure that what’s left of our precious regional media survives the transition to digital, I call on the government to raise that level 20 per cent,” Ms Sheed said.

ENDS

Media contact

Myles Peterson 0467 035 840│myles.peterson@suzannasheed.com.au

Click here for PDF version

Murray-Darling Basin Plan – Inspector-General Visit

/in

Members Statement – Last Thursday the inspector-general of Murray-Darling Basin water resources, Mick Keelty, visited Shepparton to conduct one of his many town hall meetings. Approximately 200 people, predominantly farmers, attended and were largely impressed by his sincerity and frankness. Mr Keelty’s current inquiry, due by 31 March, is looking into the Murray-Darling Basin agreement to see if more water can be found for farmers. It arises from a direction by the then federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud.

Many will recall the convoy to Canberra on 2 December 2019 when thousands of farmers in their trucks descended upon the federal Parliament to demand better outcomes and more availability of water in the southern Murray-Darling Basin. The interim inspector-general is a non-statutory role for a period of 12 months from 1 October 2019 until a statutory appointment is made, presumably later this year. His role is to help deliver transparency, accountability and community confidence. So many local farmers are hoping that he will be able to find water that might then be made available to them. He made no promises about that.

For me, while I make no criticism of Mr Keelty himself—people felt he was listening to them—I take the view that after some 40 reviews, audits, reports and a royal commission, recommendations of which have been largely ignored, this is just another ploy by the federal government to make rural communities feel like they are being listened to when in fact it has no intention of doing anything other than delivering the Murray-Darling Basin plan in full and on time.

Click here to view this record on Hansard

Get in touch with Suzanna

Share this page and show your support.

Subscribe

5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton
T 03 5831 6944
E suzanna.sheed@parliament.vic.gov.au

Keep up-to-date.
Follow us on social media.

Get in touch with Suzanna

Share this page and show your support.

5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton
T 03 5831 6944   F 03 5831 6836
E suzanna.sheed@parliament.vic.gov.au

Keep up-to-date.
Follow us on social media.