Upset at the hand-off approach to the issue by Ms McGowan and Nationals’ leader Michael McCormack’s hand-balling of ongoing safety concerns from businesses and truck drivers to the Victorian government, Mr Corboy said the recent leadership turmoil in Canberra had highlighted a “leadership void in this country”.

“(Ms McGowan’s) attitude of not giving a stuff about the McKoy Street intersection because none of her boomer ‘Orange Army’ mates had contacted her office about the major concerns highlighted by truck drivers proves this point in spades,” Mr Corboy said.

“Road safety is everyones’ concern and more needs to be done at all levels of government to address this cause including those from my side of politics.

“It’s time for the false virtue signalling to end and pride in our nation’s ability to make things right begin.

“Real issues such as Australian manufacturing, job creation and reliable coal-fired power should be our focus.

“Not what Cathy McGowan and her orange mates think.”

Ms McGowan released a statement on Friday in relation to McKoy Street which, in part, stated: “The Commonwealth has no jurisdiction to intervene. McKoy Street is a state road”.

She was offered right of reply to Mr Corboy’s criticisms, but didn’t address them specifically in another statement.

“Given ongoing representations from road users about the safety of this intersection, it’s important (Mr McCormack) be included in discussions with the Victorian government and VicRoads to identify an ultimate solution for the intersection,” Ms McGowan said.

In the 2016 election campaign, the federal government intervened in an Indi local traffic safety issue by committing funding to coming up with a solution to remove heavy trucks from Rutherglen’s main street.

Mr Corboy hasn’t confirmed whether he will be standing for Nationals’ preselection for the next federal election due next year.

Ms McGowan is also not a confirmed starter in the pursuit of a third term.