Victorian Election 2022: Opposition Leader Matthew Guy in Wodonga two days before polling day

Matthew Guy has headed to the north east of the state as the Victorian election campaign nears an end. This is what he announced.

Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has spent the penultimate day of the election campaign in the rural seat of Benambra announcing a plan to lower the driving age to 17, reaffirming support for a new border hospital and a commitment to fix the state’s crumbling roads.

The northeast Victorian seat has been held by Bill Tilley since 2006, but he is facing a strong challenge for the second time from independent Jacqui Hawkins.

Mr Guy and Mr Tilley made the announcement in Wodonga that a Coalition government would lower the age to obtain a probationary licence from 18 to 17, bringing Victoria into line with other states including NSW.

“Victorian kids are at a disadvantage,” Mr Guy said.

“They can’t drive to school, they can’t drive to work, they can’t drive to uni.”

Opposition Leader Matthew, Wodonga year 11 student Bailey Taylor and Benambra MP Bill Tilley. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jason Robins

The biggest issue in the Benambra electorate has been a new hospital servicing Albury-Wodonga and the wider population catchment.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews joined NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet in Albury this month to announce their governments would jointly fund a $558 million rebuild of the Albury hospital.

But, the Victorian Coalition has promised to put $300 million on the table for a new greenfield site hospital that has the backing of border medical professionals.

Ms Hawkins initially backed the Albury site rebuild before swinging back to the greenfield option days later.

“If you want a new hospital in Wodonga an independent member won’t give it to you because they will be supporting Daniel Andrews,” Mr Guy said.

“We’re going to build a new hospital, we’re not going to put a lick of paint on an existing hospital.

“An independent can push for a hospital, but can’t deliver one.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet have agreed to spend $558 million upgrading Albury hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Dallinger

Mr Guy said Victoria’s roads crisis had become so dire there were sections of the Hume Freeway down to 40km/h to allow works to take place.

He said the Coalition’s pledge of $1 billion per year over 10 years for road maintenance works was superior to the Labor alternative.

“The Hume Freeway has got sections of 40km/h because of the state of the roads,” he said.

“It’s just not good enough.”

Wodonga year 11 student Bailey Taylor, Victorian Opposition Leader Matt Guy and Benambra MP Bill Tilley. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jason Robins

Mr Tilley said there were 1200km of roads in the Towong Shire that needed fixing.

“We have good policy in relation to repairing roads,” he said.

“It will give (Towong) the opportunity to plan for the future and make sure the shoulders, drains, and potholes are all remedied.”