The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has said that the latest drought assistance announcement by the Allan Labor Government does not go far enough and has called on the government to provide more support to farmers across rural and regional Victoria.
“The latest $75 million in drought relief is welcomed for farmers in South West Victoria but more support is needed for farmers across our region.
“The $5,000 On-Farm Infrastructure Grant is now available, but it falls well short of the relief that’s needed for our farmers and primary producers.
“After so much hardship, farmers have been handed financial relief that falls well and truly short of the recommendations put forward by the Drought Relief Taskforce.
“Although farmers are now eligible for a 40 per cent reduction in their rates, the Drought Taskforce established by the Premier has recommended a 100 per cent reduction.
“Despite the recent rainfalls across the state, access to affordable water and feed remains a top priority for farmers and primary producers.
“It is clear that the government is failing to hear the needs of our Victorian farmers and primary producers,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
The Liberals and Nationals have announced under a future government that they will scrap Labor’s Emergency Services Volunteer Fund, a tax that will rip $765 million from Victorian families, farmers, primary producers and small businesses under the guise of supporting emergency services.
“Offering a temporary, 12-month pause on the government’s new Emergency Services Tax is not acceptable and it’s time the Allan Labor Government listen to what is happening on the ground. Emergency service volunteers, farmers, businesses and communities continue to protest loud and clear that this tax needs to be scrapped not a temporary pause.
“The Premier continues to spruik that our emergency services volunteers are happy about this tax which is just delusional.
“The Liberals and Nationals will continue to support and stand by our farmers and primary producers during these tough times they are experiencing.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our agriculture industry and Victorians are paying the price.”
