Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP
Labor Must Lift Workforce Limits or Risk Stealing Christmas
Food supply chain will crumble unless workforce restrictions are lifted before the Christmas period.
The Andrews Labor Government must work with industry to resolve fears the food supply chain will crumble unless workforce restrictions are lifted before the busy Christmas period.
Industry has called for the requirement on meat processors and food distribution centres to be safely increased from 67 per cent to make sure there’s enough workers to keep up with peak demand through spring and in the lead up to Christmas.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the food supply chain was severely hampered by workforce restrictions.
"We know our farmers are producing enough food to feed our state, but current restrictions limiting distribution centres and food processors to two-thirds of their normal workforce risks there not being enough hands on deck to get it onto supermarket shelves," Mr Walsh said.
"As active cases fall and restrictions are eased, safe increases to workforce numbers in food distribution centres and processing facilities – particularly in regional Victoria where case numbers are low – must be a priority.
"Consumers deserve to have confidence supermarket shelves will continue to be fully stocked at Christmas, but this will only get harder if Daniel Andrews fails to work with industry to help them implement COVID Safe plans and practices.
"Victorians’ hopes of enjoying a Christmas ham will be up in smoke if Daniel Andrews refuses to listen to industry to resolve pressures on the food supply chain."
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: support@gippsland.com
More frontline police officers in Gippsland urgently needed to deter criminal activity
Applications for Victorian Landcare Grants for West Gippsland open until 30 April 2024
Barry Beach Marine Terminal anticipates pivotal shift in maritime operations to soon host world largest construction vessel
Corinella Boating and Angling Clubhouse needs funding gap bridged so serving multiple community groups and continue
Luke Connell appointed Director of Planning and Development for Baw Baw Shire Council
Latrobe City engages with Net Zero Authority to advocating transition plan and help secure regional prosperity
Martin Cameron presses Minister Ros Spence for clarity amid club concerns in Latrobe Valley on sport voucher program
New fresh food tax bill threatens higher living costs and will be detrimental to Gippsland families and farmers
To avoid disillusionment in Federal Labour government its housing and power promises must be fulfilled