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Victorian Nationals gain emergency services and public land management

The Victorian Nationals have created a new public land portfolio in response to public anger at Labor’s push to create more national parks.

Nationals upper house MP for eastern Victoria Melina Bath has taken on the new public land management portfolio. Aaron Francis / Herald Sun
Nationals upper house MP for eastern Victoria Melina Bath has taken on the new public land management portfolio. Aaron Francis / Herald Sun

The Victorian Coalition has struck a deal that hands Nationals Leader Danny O’Brien responsibility for emergency services and creates a new public land management portfolio.

The Nationals managed to convince their Liberal partners to back the creation of the new public land management portfolio this week, in a bid to tap into growing discontent with the Labor Government’s push to lock up more public land in national parks.

Mr O’Brien said Eastern Region upper house MP Melina Bath would take on the new land management role to actively manage public land “for better environmental and recreational outcomes”.

“Victoria has some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, but too often it is neglected, locked away from public access, full of weeds and feral animals and a fire risk waiting to explode,” he said.

Victorian Nationals Leader Danny O’Brien. Picture: Supplied
Victorian Nationals Leader Danny O’Brien. Picture: Supplied

Mr O’Brien will retain his role as the Coalition’s roads and road safety spokesman, as well as taking on the regional development and liveability portfolios.

Deputy Nationals leader Emma Kealy will retain Agriculture and Mental Health, while Gippsland East MP Tim Bull adds volunteers to his existing portfolio of racing, veterans affairs, disability, ageing and carers.

Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy adds gaming and liquor to his portfolios of water and consumer affairs.

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Original URL: https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/politics/victorian-nationals-gain-emergency-services-and-public-land-management/news-story/df67479b30b98e6a70435903ce0d4dba