One of Ben Carroll’s first acts as Premier has been to fine farmers for protecting their own land, livestock and livelihoods.
Twelve farmers opposing VNI West have reportedly been issued $814 fines for refusing VicGrid access to their properties.
Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said it was a cruel start from a new Premier who had promised integrity was not optional under his leadership.
“These farmers are not criminals. They are standing up for their farms, their animals and their property rights,” Ms Kealy said.
“Fining a farmer for refusing access to a paddock during lambing shows just how out of touch Labor has become with agriculture.
“The Nationals and Liberals will repeal Labor’s compulsory access laws, stop VNI West and restore farmers’ rights to appeal major energy projects.
“We will strengthen right-to-farm protections, properly assess impacts on productive agricultural land and make sure farmers are treated as landowners, not obstacles.
“Ben Carroll had the chance to reset Labor’s relationship with regional Victoria.
“Instead, his first message to farmers is that their work to feed and clothe Victorians isn’t important to Labor.
“Just one week ago Premier Carroll promised integrity wasn’t optional, and yet it’s his government that is issuing fines to farmers for protecting their own farming operations.
“It just shows that it doesn’t matter who is leading Labor, it’s the same chaotic and corrupt Labor regional Victoria has been suffering under for 12 long years.
“The Nationals will always stand with the agricultural champions who put food on our table, clothes on our back and drive our regional communities. An elected Nationals and Liberals government will provide a Fair Share Guarantee for regional Victorians, with 25 per cent of infrastructure funding for our regions, up from the 12 per cent we are currently receiving.
“It’s time to end the waste, stop the corruption and support our vital agricultural sector and farmers, and that’s exactly what The Nationals will do in government.”
Mildura MP Jade Benham said no farmer should be punished for defending their own land.
“No farmer should be fined for protecting the land they’ve spent their lives caring for. Labor has lost touch with the people who keep our regions going, and this is just the latest example,” Ms Benham said.
“The only way to repeal these laws and give Victorian farmers a genuine fresh start is with the Nationals in government.”
Nationals candidate for Murray Plains Brett Hosking said the fines had real consequences for the families involved.
“‘I’ve experienced first-hand the impact of poor planning, engagement and respect for farmers along VNI West. To add fines against farmers caring for livestock is a new low point in a very ordinary process.” Mr Hosking said.
Nationals candidate for Ripon Jo Armstrong said the fines showed Labor’s disregard for the people who grow the state’s food.
“To punish expert growers of food and fibre in this way shows an utter lack of integrity by Labor,” Ms Armstrong said.
“The Nationals respect farmers’ rights to defend their best practice standards, and I will fight to defend Ripon landowners’ land rights.”