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More than a hundred jobs to be cut from Agriculture Victoria reducing services to food and fibre industry by Andrews Labor government

As all Victorians continue to be impacted by food shortages and major disruptions to the food supply chain, Labor will axe 109 jobs from Agriculture Victoria this year.

By news@gippsland - 29th March 2022 - Back to News

A further 85 jobs will be axed from Victoria's agriculture department as confirmation of more losses today takes the State Labor government's 'budget savings' cuts to agriculture to close to 10 percent of the workforce. Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh slammed the decision, which will mean less services for farmers and hamper crucial research and development. "These job cuts couldn't come at a worse time for Victorian food and fibre producers." Mr Walsh said.

Agriculture Victoria is the government department responsible for delivering services to Victoria's $17.8 billion food and fibre industry

Need positive plan to recover

Mr Walsh said, "Costs are skyrocketing across the board, putting massive financial pressure on our hard-working farmers who will now get less support from under-resourced state government services. After cutting millions last year from biosecurity measures to fight fruit fly and axing efforts to strengthen trade and global engagement - at a time when global markets are in turmoil - it's clear State Labor is no champion for our farmers or regional Victorians."

"These agriculture job cuts are just one in a long line of city-centric Labor decisions that have short-changed regional Victorians." Mr Walsh said. To date, the Minister has refused to detail what services, biosecurity initiatives or research and development programs will be impacted by Labor's cuts to agriculture.

Mr Walsh said positive measures to employ more Victorians - not job cuts - will be key to recover and rebuild from three years of pandemic. "Victorian food and fibre producers work hard to feed and clothe our nation, but they're constantly paying more and getting less from high-taxing, city-centric Labor. Only a change in government in November will deliver a positive plan to recover and rebuild and secure a fair share for regional Victorians." Mr Walsh said.

Pictures from Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  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.
• Omeo Mountain Bike Trails update - new website, shuttle services, and summer 114km launch
  Omeo Mountain Bike Trails has launched a new website and shuttle services, with 40 km open now and the full 114 km network officially debuting this summer for riders nationwide.
• Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
  Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action.
• Darren Chester honours all who served, remembering lives lost, wounded, and the enduring impact on Darwin’s community
  Australia marks Bombing of Darwin Day on February 19, honouring more than 240 killed in 1942 and recognising wartime sacrifice, resilience, and the ongoing need to properly resource Defence personnel.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Tim Bull criticises sudden last-minute VLine reductions from six to three carriages, causing tension due to limited rolling stock
  Victorian country train passengers are forced to stand up to four hours after last-minute carriage cuts, with MP Tim Bull urging PSOs and additional services to protect booked seating.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government release clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment stages
  Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
  Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch.
• Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support and Services Expo on 10 December 2025
  Federal Member Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support & Services Expo December 10 for employment, training, financial, and wellbeing assistance from 20 local exhibitors.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• Korumburra hosts South Gippsland Garlic Festival 2026 with stalls, cooking demos, entertainment, and garlic-inspired food on 28 February
  The South Gippsland Garlic Festival returns to Korumburra on 28 February, featuring almost 100 stalls, garlic-inspired dishes, cooking demos, chef presentations, entertainment, kids’ activities, and Garlic University workshops.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.