Hansard debates

Martin CAMERON (Morwell) (12:59): I want to send a huge thankyou to Skye Blackshaw, who has produced an enlightening report as part of the Victorian parliamentary intern program. Skye’s topic was one my office deemed to be the most pressing issue facing the Latrobe Valley in its history: the impending closure of the coal-fired power stations and the impact on our community and way of life. With Skye’s background in economics, we knew we were on a winner. Importantly, many of Skye’s findings confirm what those of us in the Valley know but Labor has ignored for nearly 11 ‍years.

The Latrobe Valley is not the focus of any government policy, causing its specific needs through the energy transition to be overlooked despite being Gippsland’s most disadvantaged region. We have lived and breathed coal. It has been our lifeblood, powering the state for over 100 years, yet in less than three years Yallourn will close, and Loy Yang A and B will soon follow. Thousands of jobs will be lost, yet there is no plan from this government. As Skye found, the Victorian government should undertake firm, considered and prompt actions to facilitate long-term job opportunities and positive perceptions of community and to increase health and wellbeing. We are at a turning point in the Latrobe Valley. For 11 years this Labor government has failed to plan for the closure of the coal-fired power industry and has completely failed the Latrobe Valley.