As a Geelong based Victorian senator, I am absolutely appalled by Premier Andrews's decision in concert with the Albanese government. We have brought this matter of public importance to the Senate to call on this government to take a stand for Victorian regional communities. What we have seen so far from this government is spineless, is callous and is demonstrating no care or regard for regional communities—Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland, Shepparton. It has treated regional Victoria with absolute contempt. It is a shocking indictment on the spinelessness of this pathetic Albanese government that it will not stand up to this deceptive, callous Victorian premier and say, 'This is not good enough.' It's not good enough.

Acting Deputy President Walsh, you just made a contribution. You've said you don't think this is going to hurt our international reputation. I have to say to you: have you not been watching what's been going on? Have you not read the papers?