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Million dollar cuts to Victorian agriculture is cruel disappointment to farmers as Andrews Labor government slashes funding

Pet census and a destructive plan to shut down the native timber industry are the biggest ticket items for agriculture in a Labor state budget that's a cruel disappointment for Victorian farmers.

By news@gippsland - 5th May 2022 - Back to News

Analysis of the 2022-23 State Budget papers also revealed further cuts to the agriculture budget that will gut services even more. And despite admitting Victoria faces "escalating" biosecurity risks, the government will skip out on its responsibility to protect the sector, allocating a paltry $1.8 million for 'collective biosecurity'.

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the devil was in the details, with budget analysis confirming more bad news for Victorian farmers

More bad news for farmers

Mr Walsh said, "An $86 million cut to agriculture spent at a time when dozens of Victorian families are exiting the industry due to difficult market conditions shows Labor is no champion for our farmers."

"We should be focussed on delivering more opportunities to get locally-grown Victorian food and fibre from paddock to plate, but Labor is silent on research and development. On top of that, there's no mention of new money for Landcare groups and nothing to revive critical freight rail upgrades to the Murray Basin Rail that have stalled under Labor's mismanagement."

Suffering more cuts

On Wednesday, the Agriculture Minister evaded questions on the impact that more cuts to the agriculture budget will have on service delivery for Victorian farmers. Trade and global engagement also suffered more cuts this year, with a decrease in the budget of $46.3 million meaning even less of a focus on diversifying our farmers' access to international markets.

It comes after a destructive 12 months under Labor, with more than 100 jobs axed at Agriculture Victoria, including scientists dedicated to research and development initiatives. "Our state's reputation as the nation's agricultural powerhouse is at risk with a city-centric Labor government that's abandoned farmers and regional communities."

"Only a change in government in November will deliver a focus on building our research and development capabilities and investing in initiatives that will support Victorian agriculture to diversify by seizing on new opportunities in emerging global markets." Mr Walsh said

Background

According to the 2022-23 Victorian state budget papers, output summary by departmental objective (BP3, p249) Analysis of the Agriculture Department spend also reveals the most funding will be spent on 'Implementation of the Victorian Forestry Plant' and 'Animal Care and Protection' (BP3, p72). The latter includes spending on "introducing Victoria's first ever pet census [and] the development of a cat management strategy to promote responsible cat ownership" (BP3, p 74).

Pictures from Peter Walsh MP Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron launch petition urging action on long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass project
  Darren Chester and Martin Cameron have launched a community petition urging state and federal governments to prioritise funding and design work for the long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass to ease congestion.
• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.
• Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
  Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services.
• Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
  The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
  West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects.