I have been encouraged by the first batch of surveys sent back to my office as part of Mallee’s Biggest Survey - 2025 edition - which should have landed in your letterbox in the last week or so.  You can also go to my website www.annewebster.com.au  to share your views on over 35 questions about issues that matter to you.  I value your voice, and I want to hear from you.  As always, you can email me at anne.webster.mp@aph.gov.au if you want to outline your opinions further.  

It's too early to present you with findings from that survey and responses received before 18 July are in the running to win a new 11-inch 128GB (A16) Apple iPad.  Your answers are confidential within my office, and I will need your name and contact details in case you win the iPad draw.

I was recently in Canberra with some of your local mayors and councillors for the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) conference.  As the new Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories I spoke at the 1,300 ALGA national general assembly about some of the struggles you and your shires are facing, because I unashamedly support regional councils.  While city councils had to hear some uncomfortable truths on how tough regional councils are doing it, a strong contingent of city mayors and councillors came to an event I held with Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Senator Bridget McKenzie, they were supportive of the issues I raised in my speech.

I also shared on that national stage stories from your region like Grampians bushfire relief and Mount Arapiles climbing bans, highlighting that you are not alone and, for instance, the inadequacy of federal disaster relief arrangements which is a continuing concern.

There is an immense amount of work in the Local Government portfolio alone, as I also sink my teeth into the other Shadow Ministry responsibilities of Regional Communications, Regional Development and the Territories.

I am absolutely confident my new role will benefit you in Horsham, the Wimmera and other communities because I remain 100 per cent focused on your needs.