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Plans to protect and ensure the farmers from the foot and mouth outbreak from Andrews Labor government need to clear

Under questioning in State Parliament today, Victorian Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney refused to make public the plans of what the Labor government is doing to ensure that Victoria is prepared for an outbreak.

By news@gippsland - 2nd August 2022 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath said Ms Tierney's empty words are cold comfort for Victorian producers who are staring down the barrel of an outbreak which could decimate the state's livestock industry.

Labor government must implement the recommendations of Operation Odysseus and ensure that our industry is ready to fight any biosecurity incursion

Labor hides behind spin

Ms Bath said, "While the industry is searching for answers, the Andrews Labor government reverts to type and hides behind spin, rather than delivering outcomes desperately needed by livestock producers."

"Ms Tierney did not answer whether she would table a plan, instead insisting the government had 'acted to significantly improve Victoria's preparedness in line with the recommendations' of Operation Odysseus. Even a small FMD outbreak in Victoria would cost Victoria $5-6 billion, according to the CSIRO." Ms Bath said.

Farmers need certainty

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Peter Walsh said that the time for spin is well and truly over. "Now more than ever, the industry and regional communities need certainty and we will continue to hold the Andrews Labor government to account."

"Victorian farmers need that information to be assured that Labor is doing everything possible to keep FMD out and to contain it if there is an outbreak. Our communities don't want a repeat of the mistakes Labor made in COVID hotel quarantine and contact tracing." Mr Walsh said.

Pictures from Victorian Farmers Federation Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com