MELBOURNE LABOR SHOWS CONTEMPT FOR COUNTRY VOTERS

The Bracks Government faces a backlash from country voters, after installing five city-based candidates into winnable country seats for the Upper House at the next state election, according to Leader of The Nationals in the Upper House, Peter Hall.

Mr Hall said that Melbourne Labor's preselection dealings had short-changed country people and had the potential to diminish the voice of country Victorians.

"It is the height of arrogance for the Bracks Government to think it can get away with parachuting Melbourne-based union hacks and suburban MPs into the three rural-based Upper House regions," Mr Hall said.

"To represent the hopes and aspirations of country people you need to live and work outside of metropolitan Melbourne.

"It is typical of how out-of-touch Melbourne Labor ministers have become that they have allowed this deplorable situation to develop."

Mr Hall said The Nationals would mount strong campaigns in the Northern, Eastern and Western regions, with country-based candidates.

"The Nationals are the only party that focuses all of its attentions on the issues of concern for rural and regional Victorians," Mr Hall said.

"It is a matter of common sense. To understand country life, you have to live in the country, and it's a disgrace that Melbourne Labor's Upper House reforms look set to reward some dodgy back-room deals orchestrated by the ALP factions.

"The Nationals have consistently warned that the new Upper House boundaries would have an adverse impact on country Victoria, and this deal is the first time that our fears are being realised."

Media contact: Peter Hall's office (03) 5174 7066