News

| November 12, 2015

Nationals MPs reject Labor’s decision to sit on Remembrance Day

Nationals MPs from across regional Victoria were forced to leave Parliament yesterday to be present with their communities at Remembrance Day ceremonies.

The decision to leave Parliament comes after the Andrews Labor Government amended sitting hours of Parliament to coincide with this important day.

Ms Kealy said the decision showed a great deal of disrespect for Remembrance Day and a lack of understanding about the logistics of living in regional Victoria.

“It is very disappointing that Labor has not followed the leadership set by the previous Liberal-Nationals Coalition Government which ensured Parliament never sat on Remembrance Day,” Ms Kealy said.

“Not only was this a mark of respect, but it also allowed all Members of Parliament, country or city, to attend local services and lay wreaths.

“November 11 is the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War. In later years this day took on even greater significance as a day to pay respect to all those who have served in wars, and particularly to those who lost their lives.

“Victoria’s country communities made immense contributions to war efforts for more than a century, and suffered great hardship and tragedy as a result,” she said.

Victoria’s Parliament convened at 2pm yesterday, meaning city MPs were able to attend local services and return to Spring Street, while country MPs were unable to without missing time in Parliament.

“This later start might be fine for Labor’s MPs but it discriminates against any MP who has communities that are more than two hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD – which is nearly all of us,” Ms Kealy said.

“Daniel Andrews is so focused on Melbourne that he has forgotten that country Victoria exists.”