Politics & Council
27 February, 2026
It wasn’t new money: Webster slams poll ‘promise’ by Feds
REVELATIONS an election-eve commitment by the re-elected Federal Government would not mean more childcare in Loddon have been labelled a betrayal of country people.
Mallee MP and shadow minister for regional development, local government and territories Anne Webster yesterday said the $5 million promise by her Labor opponent last May, Greg Olsen, was now confirmed as not being “new money”.
Dr Webster has held meetings with proponents for childcare in Boort and southern Loddon communities over the last year.
“Mums and dads in Loddon Shire have been crying out for help in their childcare desert,” Dr Webster said.
“After a concerted campaign, the then-member for Ripon (Louise Staley) committed to a new childcare centre at Wedderburn in 2022, then the now state Labor MP committed to funding a new centre in Wedderburn.
“Absurdly, the federal Labor candidate in 2025 announced $5 million for a new childcare facility in Loddon.
“But, now in early 2026 the Albanese Labor government is using that $5 million election commitment to fulfil the previous state Labor promise made over three years ago. It was not new money at all. Labor has betrayed Loddon residents.
“Yet again we see Labor hanging regional Australians out to dry with their callous and tricky behaviour.
“Labor has let Loddon residents down and undermined their collective economic future, as childcare is a key enabler for regional growth.”
Inglewood and District Community Bank has put $250,000 on the table towards building a new centre after last year commissioning a study on the need for childcare in southern communities.
The community bank has also said it would look to support training initiatives the secure staff for a new centre.