Community
20 February, 2025
Dan Tehan pays Terang a visit
INCREASED funding for metropolitan projects, energy costs and the protection of immigrant workers were among the issues raised when Wannon MP Dan Tehan hosted a listening post in Terang last week.
Mr Tehan visited Terang last Friday, holding a listening post prior to his visit to the Terang Harness Racing Club’s annual cup night.
Around ten people were in attendance to discuss their concerns with Mr Tehan, including expressing frustration with last week’s Federal decision to release a further $2.2 billion in funding for the already-overblown budget of the Suburban Rail Loop.
“People just think the Federal Government have got their priorities all wrong, and that money should have gone in to our roads,” Mr Tehan said.
“The second thing has been increased energy costs, on individuals and businesses, that are deeply concerning.
“What it’s doing to the cost of living is a real concern.
“I’ve also had a couple of people raise issues surrounding workers navigating the immigration system.
“They want to make sure people who are working hard, and doing the right thing, are able to stay and keep working because the last thing we want to be doing is removing the people who are doing the right thing – especially when the government has brought in a million people over the space of two years.”
Mr Tehan said he would take on board the concerns raised, and believed the Coalition were well-prepared to make a difference should the party be elected at the upcoming Federal Election.
“Peter Dutton (party leader) is all ears to our needs to get the nation back on track, to ensure we can do the things people really want done,” he said.
“People want to see us fixing roads, putting downward pressure on energy prices, and doing everything we can to fix the cost of living through addressing inflation.
“These are the things he’s absolutely focused on, and one of the things we can’t understand is how the Albanese Labor Government has taken its eye off the ball.
“It’s meant people are really hurting due to the cost of living, wondering how they’re going to pay this bill or that bill, and how everything is going up and up.”
Mr Tehan this month launched his re-election campaign, and said he was optimistic voters would recognise his work ethic.
“It’s always good when election time comes around because it’s a big challenge,” he said.
“I’ve never taken anything for granted I’ve always worked hard, and I’ll continue to work hard because that’s what country people want.
“They want to see you out and about, working hard and that’s what I’ll continue to do.
“From what I’m hearing right around the electorate, people think the country is heading in the wrong direction and we can offer a very clear-cut alternative to change that.”
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