News

Federal member elbowed out

By Geoff Adams

Jul 22, 2022

Disappointed: Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell. Photo by Evan Wallace

The new Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell, was “uninvited” to the opening of the expanded Flavorite glasshouse at Tatura on July 20.

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Mr Birrell had been invited to attend the opening of the six-hectare expansion by the host company, but the Victorian Treasurer’s office asked the company to withdraw the invitation.

The new glasshouse is expected to employ up to 60 extra workers and produce about 4000 tonnes of fruit a year.

The expansion has been supported by a Victorian Government grant.

But Mr Birrell was not wanted at the opening by the government.

“It’s just disappointing and petty,” Mr Birrell said.

“I’m not interested in just getting in the photos, but it’s about the different tiers of government working together to benefit business and the community.

“I was hoping that in my tenure we could work together.”

Meanwhile, Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing visited a water efficiency project at Waaia on July 19 to check on its progress.

The project was funded by the Federal Government, but Mr Birrell was not invited and was not advised of the event.