Nine years after the Mary Street bus shelter in Heyfield was blown over during a wind event in December 2017, the structure has still not been replaced, despite repeated assurances from the Victorian Government.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said after a long period of back and forth between Wellington Shire Council (WSC) and the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) over whose responsibility it was, WSC was correct that the rebuild funding was a DTP requirement.

“WSC has been extremely proactive in seeking government reinstatement of its asset, which, once constructed, Council will maintain as per its service agreement.

“After denying it was their responsibility, DTP finally conceded it sat with them and Minister, Ben Carroll wrote to me in both 2023 and 2025 committing to its rebuild.

“Despite this, the government is now shirking this responsibility, and the community is rightfully fed up with the excuses.

“It’s not the Taj Mahal we are asking them to rebuild, it’s a bus shelter, important for elderly residents.

“Senior citizens have been forced to wait in heavy rain without shelter while travelling to medical appointments. It’s just not good enough,” said Mr Bull.

“The responsibility is clear, and the community has waited long enough. Stop deflecting, support Council, and build the shelter.”

Mr Bull said there had been more than 32,000 services that have come and gone since the shelter was damaged. After nine years, it’s time.

Caption: The Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, at the site of the former Mary Street bus shelter. Mr Bull is urging the Allan Labor Government to keep its word and replace the infrastructure, nine years after it was blown down.

Monday, 27 April 2026

Despite the Victorian Labor Government racking up a debt that will hit $190 billion, with interest repayments alone of $28 million per day (more than $1m per hour), Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull is hoping next week’s State Budget delivers some necessities for the region.

It is clear the Bairnsdale hospital needs a rebuild and the first stage of that is a new emergency department, however, there are many more priorities.

“New police stations are required at Orbost and Maffra and we need a new fire station at Metung. While I know we will not get them all, it would be good to have one or two of these committed to.

“The Buchan Bush Nursing Centre is also critical to that community and the surrounding areas and needs to be funded to relocate to its new site.”

Mr Bull said with our growing population, there was also a need to upgrade and build a range of new sporting facilities across the region.

“In addition, we have the overarching issues of our roads network falling apart and the need for real investment in pest plant and animal control, lack of fuel reduction burning that leaves us vulnerable and much more.

“My concern is when you have put yourself so far in debt, there should be something to show for it, but our roads are a mess, our health network is under extreme pressure and so much investment is needed in so many areas.

“Let’s hope we can get some much-needed investment in the electorate next week,” he said.

Caption: State MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, says East Gippsland must get its fair share in the 2026–27 Victorian Budget, including funding for critical infrastructure such as a new BRHS emergency department.

Monday, 27 April 2026

Tomorrow, as the first light of dawn breaks across our nation, Australians will once again gather in quiet reflection.
It is a time not only to honour those of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who landed at Gallipoli in 1915, but to remember all who have served our nation - those who stood in harm’s way, answered the call of duty, and carried its burden with courage and resolve.
As Australians we have a duty to remember them and say "thanks".
ANZAC Day is woven into the fabric of our national identity. It is not a celebration of conflict, rather a recognition of the qualities that define us.
We remember the young Australians who stepped onto foreign shores, many never to return.
Though they rest far from home, their service is not forgotten. Their legacy endures in the traditions we uphold, the stories we pass on, and the respect we show each year.
We also pay tribute to all who have followed - those who served in conflicts, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian missions as well as the families who carried the weight of their service at home.
As we gather at dawn services, marches and memorials, let us reflect not only on their sacrifice, but on the responsibility we share to honour it.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
Lest we forget.

24 April 2026

If elected in November, a Nationals and Liberal Government will introduce new laws to protect our war memorials and historic sites.

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Tim Bull, said war memorials are sacred and honour Australians who gave everything for our country.

"When acts of desecration and vandalism occur, it infuriates the wider community and its important the perpetrators are held to account.

"Offenders will now face up to 10 years' jail dependent on the seriousness of the action - and be ordered to pay for the repairs and restorations.

"Up until now, such acts have been treated as regular cases of vandalism, but they will now carry greater repercussions for offenders - as they should.

"Over the last several years, Victoria has seen increasing levels of destruction or desecration of local war memorials and historic sites.

"They have usually taken place in the lead up to, or on, nationally significant occasions, such as ANZAC Day.

"This is about respect for veterans, history, and our communities.

"It's a significant change - we will not allow this behaviour to become normalised," said Mr Bull.

Caption: Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and State MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with Leader of the Liberal Party, Jess Wilson, have vowed to introduce new laws to protect war memorials and historical sites if the Liberal and Nationals form government this November.

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Following a spate of complaints, Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has called on the Allan State Government to provide the trains and buses to match its extended free public transport offer.

Mr Bull said his office had received a large number of complaints from locals who were attempting to use both train and local bus services.

“The government announced free public transport travel as a response to rising fuel costs and while that has limited benefit for rural people, it has done nothing to cater for increased patronage and caused massive overcrowding on some services.

“Even before this announcement, we had a three-carriage train turn up at Bairnsdale and around 100 people being forced to stand all the way to Melbourne.

“I have raised with the Minister the need for every Bairnsdale train to have six carriages, especially in this free travel period (noting the carriages come in sets of three). If they’re not available, they should be putting on more buses to link up with the trains leaving Traralgon.

“It is all well and good to make these announcements, but it has to be backed up with providing the rolling stock. Crowded public transport in the city may be fine for a short hop, but it is certainly not acceptable for a four-hour journey. It’s not safe to be standing on the train for four hours.

“There was even one occasion when the conductor asked passengers to consider leaving the train at Traralgon and catching a later service to Melbourne, such was the over-crowding.”

Mr Bull said buses have also been a problem.

“We have seen students who were prevented from accessing TAFE as the coach service into Bairnsdale from Lakes Entrance was overcrowded and beyond capacity.”

Caption: The Nationals’ State MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is calling on the Allan Labor Government to address overcrowding on Bairnsdale V/Line services.

Monday, 20 April 2026

Tougher laws to ensure people who initiate dangerous police pursuits are held responsible for the consequences will be a focus of a State Liberal and Nationals Government if successful in November.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the policy is designed to better support Victoria Police and improve community safety. It comes on the back of the recent announcement for 3,000 more police officers.

“These pursuit changes will hold accountable those cowards who refuse to stop, while making it clear the consequences will rest with those who choose to flee and endanger others.

“The numbers are alarming. Today in Victoria, there are almost 20 offences per day where vehicles fail to stop for police,” Mr Bull said.

“There are far too many cases where drivers ignore police and put lives at risk and they shouldn’t have to second-guess themselves when they’re trying to keep the community safe.

“This is about making sure responsibility sits where it belongs - with the person who decides to run. People who start these pursuits must face the consequences for their actions.”

Under the plan, a new offence of initiating a police pursuit will be introduced. The law will make offenders responsible for any harm or damage caused as a result, while strengthening legal protections for police.

“These changes send a clear message: if you run, you will be held accountable,” Mr Bull said.

Police will continue to make operational decisions about pursuits based on safety, with the reforms designed to support those judgments.

“This backs our police and holds offenders to account,” he said.

Caption: State MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, at Bairnsdale Police Station, supporting policies that back Victoria Police and promote offender accountability.

Monday, 20 April 2026