After 12 months as the Victorian Opposition Leader, Michael O'Brien is aware not everyone in the state knows who he is.
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At a function in Warrnambool on Tuesday night Mr O'Brien said he was "working his bum off" to try and change this.
"It's my job to get out there and speak to people, to be available and to listen," he said.
"This is a listening tour, I am up to 14 or 15 instalments now. I have been throughout regional Victoria and Melbourne's outer suburbs, anywhere and everywhere.
"A lot of people feel politicians do to much talking and really we should be doing a lot more listening.
"I think a lot of people of influence in Spring Street need to come out (to the regions)."
Mr O'Brien said regional Victorians felt left out of the process of government and highlighted a number of issues in need of change in the south-west, including the need to upgrade the Warrnambool Base Hospital and regional roads and rail.
"At the last election we promised to do the upgrade (to the hospital) and the need hasn't gone away, it has only gotten greater," he said.
"Daniel Andrews and Labor should do the right thing by the south-west coast and fund the upgrade this year, in this budget, that is what we are calling on them to do.
"If Daniel Andrews continues to ignore this need then we will step up and do what needs to be done.
"But the people of Warrnambool should not have to wait for the next election to get that upgrade."
Mr O'Brien said he was surprised to find out the trip from Melbourne to Warrnambool was quicker by car compared to taking the train.
"I asked (MP) Roma Britnell if it would be faster on the train and she said 'no'," he said
"This is a problem in itself - that it takes less time in the car - tells you there is something wrong with the train and the tracks.
"But then on the road the coffee nearly got knocked out of my hand and down my shirt with the potholes we were hitting.
"I know the south-west coast is the beating heart of problems with road conditions in this state. It's not just about a smoother ride, it's about saving lives. Safer roads save lives.
"I would like to think we could fund the major road upgrades but also provide support to councils to upgrade the second and third tier roads as well."
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