Auditor-General’s water report concerning, Sheed

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Independent Member for the Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed said she is concerned by many of the findings of the recently released Procurement of Strategic Water Entitlements report.

Commissioned by former Federal Water Minister David Littleproud and conducted by the Australian National Audit Office the report highlights several issues with the Commonwealth’s buyback of water to meet environmental targets.

“Like many, I’m suffering a bit from Murray Darling Basin Plan report fatigue,” Ms Sheed said.

“But this is an important document and points to numerous shortcomings in the water buyback process. I’m concerned the Auditor-General criticises the nature of these closed-tender deals and that commercial decisions were reportedly taking place in the Federal Water Minister’s office.

“It points to yet another area where transparency is lacking in the water market.”

The report listed further criticisms of buyback processes, according to Ms Sheed.

“Market rates weren’t always paid. Poor information was provided by the department to decision makers,” Ms Sheed said.

“Departmental staff were reportedly failing to apply proper policy. Since 2016 around 80 GL was taken out of the consumptive pool costing $190 million and these findings cast doubt over how that all took place. We have seen so much poor behaviour, particularly in the Northern Basin, and this report only confirms that even the government’s own department has fallen below the standards we could reasonably expect of it.

“We have yet another report pointing towards yet more problems with the Plan. What we don’t have are enough state and federal governments willing to acknowledge these collective problems and find the political courage to do something drastic about them.”

ENDS

Media contact

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

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Sheed salutes new alcohol pregnancy warning labelling

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Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has welcomed the decision by Food Standards Australia New Zealand to enforce visible pregnancy health labelling on all alcohol beverage containers warning against the dangers of drinking while pregnant.

“The research is very clear – any amount of alcohol consumed while pregnant can have a detrimental life-long impact on the unborn child. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) reportedly impacts five per cent of new-borns per year. This is unacceptable,” Ms Sheed said.

The Forum on Food Regulation (FOFR) Ministers met last Friday to decide on this important issue. More than 3700 community leaders and advocates and 150 organisations had called on the Food Forum Ministers to support a visible, red, white and black health warning on alcohol products.

“The concerns of the alcohol industry were considered, but the cost of requiring the implementation of this labelling paled compared to the social and economic impact of one in twenty babies suffering from FASD, according to Ms Sheed. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause brain damage in unborn babies and can also lead to a range of other birth and developmental problems. It is entirely preventable but there is insufficient education and knowledge about the prevention of it,” Ms Sheed said.

“Just recently, in the Victorian Parliament, I called for the introduction of such labelling. That we finally have a result is testament to the work of many hard-working individuals and groups across the country, including the patron of NOFASD Dame Quentin Bryce, and I salute them all.”

The vote to introduce the new labelling was a close call, Ms Sheed noted.

“I would particularly like to thank the Victorian Government for standing up to the Federal Government and those states that voted against this important change.

“A new label alone will not eliminate FASD in our communities. However, it is an important part of the required prevention and education approach. There is still a great deal of work to be done in order to support those vulnerable to FASD, but this is a step in the right direction. It says we put women and children first.”

ENDS

Media contact

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

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Sheed welcomes upgrades of local social housing

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Independent Member for the Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has welcomed Victorian State Government investment in upgrading locally held social housing stock and public and private investment in new stock.

Minister for Housing Richard Wynne MP confirmed to Ms Sheed this week 71 homes will be upgraded over the next two years, with planning for an original 33 properties increased by an additional 38 under the Building Works program in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

“This is a very worthwhile investment, particularly in the current context. Upgrades not only improve the quality of life for those relying on social housing but inject funds into the local building industry,” Ms Sheed said.

Earlier questions of the Housing Minister had identified 29 unused government-held properties in the Shepparton region and Ms Sheed said she hoped this number would be dramatically reduced by the extra spending.

“We have too many unused housing units in my electorate. It is unfortunate that people are going homeless while properties sit empty.”

Minister Wynne also confirmed 10 new homes would be funded through the Victorian Government’s Social Housing Growth Fund.

“We’re seeing quite a bit of badly needed investment in new social housing funded both by the public and private sectors. The Peter and Lyndy White Foundation are to be commended for their investment which will reportedly deliver up to 45 new homes.  The Haven Mooroopna development will deliver an extra 36 homes and Winteringham has its development of around 30 homes,” Ms Sheed said.

“My office has identified our region needs around 50 new social housing units per year to combat homelessness and lower housing affordability for low income earners and this investment goes a long way to meeting that goal.”

ENDS

Media contact

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

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Sheed welcomes renewed fruit fly control funding

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Independent Member for the Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has welcomed today’s announcement by the Victorian State Government to continue funding fruit fly control measures to a total of $1.72 million for the 2020/21 financial year.

“We were worried about the prospect of funding for this import measure ceasing last month,” Ms Sheed said.

“Fruit fly threatens the production of over 455,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables susceptible to the pest, over $777 million of annual regional produce which accounts for 44 per cent of Victoria’s production.”

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes’ announcement of $522,800 for Moira Shire and the Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Fruit Fly Project is an important investment for the region, according to Ms Sheed.

“The Independent Member for Mildura Ali Cupper and I have both lobbied on this issue and I’m sure she will welcome the $511,900 investment her own area will be receiving,” Ms Sheed said.

“The loss of this investment could have had a very harmful effect on one of the most important agricultural sectors in the State of Victoria.”

The late nature of the announcement was concerning, according to Ms Sheed, as was the lack of recurrent funding.

“I am concerned we waited until the last minute, and I hope we don’t have to go through this lobbying process again next year,” Ms Sheed said.

“For now, I am satisfied the Andrews Government has recognised the importance of combatting fruit fly with this substantial investment.”

ENDS

Media contact

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

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5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton
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Get in touch with Suzanna

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

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