Victoria has yet another new Agriculture Minister – the fifth in the past six years, and the third this term alone – confirming agriculture is not a priority for the Allan Labor Government.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy said the constant churn shows a government that has sidelined one of Victoria’s most important industries.
“Five ministers in six years – three in this term of parliament. That’s not leadership, that’s a government that doesn’t rate, respect or care about agriculture.”
In contrast, the agriculture portfolio is highly valued by the Liberals and Nationals, with only two people holding the agriculture portfolio in the past 20 years – former Leader of The Nationals, The Hon. Peter Walsh MP, and Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Emma Kealy MP.
“The agriculture portfolio is one of the most important in Victoria,” Ms Kealy said.
“It’s not just about the businesses that drive the economy and create local jobs, but our world-leading research and innovation, and ensuring we keep food costs down and our supermarket shelves filled with high quality, healthy produce.
“Farmers are not being listened to by Labor or valued for their work to drive the Victorian economy. They’re having their land rights stripped, they’re being hit with higher costs, and slugged by Labor’s massive emergency services tax on their productive land.
“When it comes to energy infrastructure, farmers are being ignored while their land and livelihoods are put at risk. And through this current fuel and fertiliser crisis, government support has been too slow while costs continue to surge.
“Farmers are fed up with Labor’s merry-go-round of agriculture ministers. They’re ready for a fresh start with the Liberals and Nationals team that will always fight for agriculture, and fight for our fair share.”