Labor’s Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence has refused to advocate for Gippsland farmers struggling financially under the Allan Government’s oppressive tax regime.
Ms Bath asked Minister Spence in state parliament to advocate to the Treasurer on behalf of Gippsland primary producers, after it was revealed 95 per cent of farmers said they were concerned or very concerned about new taxes in a Victorian Farmer Federation (VFF) survey.
“Minister Spence response has dismissed farmers, merely saying contact the Treasurer.
“There is zero acknowledgement of our farmers despite the plight of multiple Gippsland farmers being disclosed, – it’s truly disgraceful.”
Ms Bath said Minister Spence’s response highlighted Labor’s lack of care for regional Victoria and our world class agriculture industry.
“It comes as no surprise that the VFF survey showed the Allan Labor Government has lost the trust of 9 in 10 Victorian farmers.
“Labor is out of touch with our farming communities.
“Instead of stymying Victoria’s $20.1 billion dollar food and fibre export industry – Labor should be working to rebuild trust and supporting Gippsland farmers.
“Labor can’t manage money and Victorian farmers are paying the price.”
