Industry Leaders Meet With Shadow Minister Jess Wilson

From left to right: C4G CEO Tony Cantwell, Amy Poynton (Monash Rural Health), C4G Board Chair Sean Dignum, Jess Wilson MP, Ian Needham (Engie Australia), Michelle Anderson (Federation University), and Darren Beggs (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)

Gippsland’s priorities for employment, manufacturing, healthcare, education, energy and agriculture were the key focus of a recent roundtable discussion with the Victorian Shadow Minister for Industry, Economic Growth, and Education, Jess Wilson MP.

As a guest of the Committee for Gippsland, C4G CEO Tony Cantwell welcomed Ms Wilson and the opportunity to bring together industry leaders across a range of sectors to provide an update on the most pressing challenges and opportunities for Gippsland.

“With Gippsland undergoing significant transformation across multiple industries, it’s essential to maintain constructive conversations with leaders at all levels of government,” Mr Cantwell said.

“It was most useful to directly highlight the need for strategic investment in infrastructure such as roads and ports, as well as critical sectors like healthcare and education. Strengthening these areas will support our growing population and ensure we can develop a skilled workforce to diversify and sustain local industry” Mr Cantwell said.

C4G Board Chair Sean Dignum highlighted the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-region approach to securing government support during a period of disruption and change.

“For Gippsland communities and local economies to grow, we need strong government support to ensure the region’s businesses, agriculture and quality of life,” Mr Dignum said.

“We must work collaboratively to develop policies and regulations that strengthen infrastructure and drive innovation, ensuring long-term economic sustainability for our communities and businesses.

“C4G looks forward to continuing discussions with all levels of government to ensure Gippsland receives the necessary support to drive investment, develop a skilled workforce, create long-term high-paying jobs, and secure a strong economic future for the region”, Mr Dignum said.