Portfolio — 15 August 2026

The dominant tone from the Member for Mildura this week was one of community recognition — paying tribute to two figures whose contributions to the district and the broader region spanned decades. Ms Benham acknowledged Gwen 'Granny Bird' Malcolm, a Nationals life member and long-standing Hopetoun community figure whose service through the Country Women's Association extended across several decades [TA-260813-vichns-ff06af361824:s012].

She also recognised the passing of Domenico 'Don' Carrazza, who led the Mildura Grand Hotel and played a significant role in regional tourism, business development, and community life in the Mildura region [TA-260813-vichns-ff06af361824:s013]. Beyond these tributes, Ms Benham sought a brief explanation of a bill from the Minister during the sitting period [TA-260811-vichns-559d5117f54a:s008].

In the broader Assembly context, two debates carrying direct relevance to a regional district like Mildura were active during the window. The Minister for Local Government, Mr Richardson, introduced the Associations Incorporation Reform Amendment Bill 2026, which would bar associations with industrial relations, hate-motivated, or terrorist purposes from registering or maintaining incorporation [TA-260811-vichns-559d5117f54a:s009].

Separately, Mr Wight announced that the budget delivers $84 million for agriculture, $146 million in drought support, $62 million in direct support following the January bushfires, and $16.9 million for biosecurity and animal welfare [TA-260812-vichns-cb8fabc78988:s003] — a package with direct material significance for a district such as Mildura, where agriculture and drought exposure are primary economic concerns.

The Assembly also divided on a motion regarding artificial intelligence regulation, with 31 members in favour and 50 against. Ms Benham voted with the minority supporting the motion. Mr Lambert, speaking for the government's position, characterised the AI regulatory question as a profound global challenge and rejected what he described as a narrow approach to the issue.