Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP

Progress towards Workforce Win for Meat Processors

Workforce limits on Victorian meat processors won’t be able to keep up during peak spring season.

By Portal Admin - 28th September 2020 - Back to News

Workforce limits on Victorian meat processors must be immediately increased with the appropriate safety precautions to ensure industry can keep up with growing consumer demand.

The industry fears it won’t be able to keep up during peak spring season and in the lead up to Christmas if it continues to be restricted to two-thirds of its workforce.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said today's reports the Andrews Labor Government is finally considering lifting the limit were overdue and must be acted on immediately.

"Our businesses and regional economies have taken an absolute walloping in this pandemic under harsh restrictions that were designed to contain outbreaks in Melbourne," Mr Walsh said.

"As case numbers continue to fall, the Liberal Nationals have been working closely with essential industries in the food supply chain to pressure the Andrews Labor Government to wind back its workforce limits.

"With just one active case in our state's abattoirs, there's no reason for Daniel Andrews to delay safe increases to allow workers back into the workplace to fix problems holding back the food supply chain.

"It's in processors' best interests to have comprehensive COVID safe plans so we don't see harsh shutdowns return.

"Our farmers are producing enough food to feed our state.

"Daniel Andrews' stubborn refusal to apply sensible changes to restrictions on industry is just another reason Victorians have lost confidence in the Premier and his Labor Government."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
  Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy.
• Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
  Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers.
• Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
  The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery.