I'm concerned by the significant decline in the number of Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) permits issued across North East Victoria.

Recent data shows that between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, a total of 1052 ATCW permits were issued in the Hume (North East) region.

However, from 1 July 2025 to 14 August 2025 – the most recent data available – only 415 permits were approved, marking a substantial decrease.

This drop in permits comes at a time when farmers are already facing mounting challenges from prolonged dry conditions.

Kangaroo numbers have placed enormous pressure on already strained pastures, particularly in the midst of ongoing drought.

Farmers across our region are reporting serious issues with overabundant kangaroos competing with livestock for feed and water, damaging fences, and increasing the risk of animal welfare problems.

The government needs to ensure the permit process is responsive and practical for landholders who rely on it to manage wildlife impacts.

Our regional communities need certainty and timely support to manage these pressures.

The Allan Labor government must explain why so few permits are being issued when the problem on the ground is only getting worse.

Our farmers are doing it tough enough without having to fight for months just to get a permit that should be straightforward.

Annabelle Cleeland, Nationals’ MP for Euroa

Helping get kids back in the game

The Allan Labor Government is helping families with $200 vouchers so their children can get active and play the sports they love this summer.

The next round of Get Active Kids vouchers are now available to eligible families in Northern Victoria.

The popular program, which had a $15 million boost in the Victorian Budget 2025/26, ensures cost is not a barrier for kids to play sports with more than 65,000 vouchers expected to be distributed over the next two years.

Since launching in 2020, almost 190,000 vouchers have already been snapped up by families to help cover the costs of sporting memberships, registration fees, uniforms and equipment.

More than half of families say their kids would not have been able to participate in sport without the voucher, and almost 20 per cent of children have used the voucher to join a local sporting club for the first time.

There are more than 70 sports and more than 2300 activity providers included in the program across the state.

Families can apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at an activity provider like a local sporting club for a reimbursement of up to $200 per child.

Children must be 18 years and under who are named on a Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and named on a Medicare Card.

A special consideration is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, migrants and international students.

For more info or to apply, visit getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers

Jaclyn Symes, MLC for Northern Victoria

Veterans' Minister 'missing in action': Chester

The Albanese Government is failing to defend the rights of ex-service personnel to seek a review of possible medallic recognition for bravery.

The government’s unwarranted attack on the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (DHAAT) has been labelled as a ‘disgusting and disgraceful’ distraction from the important issues affecting the wellbeing of the veteran community at a Senate inquiry.

At a time when he should be standing up for the rights of our veterans and their families, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh is missing in action and the Prime Minister needs to get involved in this issue.

There were 63 submissions to the Senate inquiry and 62 opposed the move to place a time limit of just 20 years on reviewable actions, along with limiting who can actually seek a review of a Defence decision.

The Tribunal has warned the move would abolish the rights of Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families.

The Defence Amendment (Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal) Bill 2025 is expected to be debated in the Senate this week and we (Coalition) will seek the support of the crossbench to defeat the Bill.

Darren Chester, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs