Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP

What is Labor's plan to keep Victoria's supply chain moving with these constant lockdowns

Victorians have come to rely on a steady stream of food delivery and online shopping to get through another lockdown.

By news@gippsland - 27th August 2021 - Back to News

We need our supply chain more than ever to access essential items and to keep Victoria moving - from the freight drivers transporting food and fibre from Victorian farms, to the truckies and distribution centre workers getting food to supermarket shelves.

Government must put a proactive plan in place to keep our supply chain moving

Still no plan

But even after 18 months of lockdowns - which are costing our state $1 billion each week - there's still no plan to stop outbreaks bringing the supply chain to a grinding halt.

The Nationals are calling on the Andrews Government to put a proactive plan in place to keep our supply chain moving. This should include less red tape by providing an exemption for drivers - they're already subject to rigorous tracking - from requiring an Authorised Worker Permit. Priority vaccination appointments and introducing rapid testing for all freight and distribution centre workers.

Simple changes to protect workers

Lastly, the Government should make it easier for drivers to get tested with testing sites that are conveniently located on major transport corridors with parking to accommodate heavy vehicles.

These are simple changes that could be put in place right now to protect workers in our supply chain and to make sure Victorians are able to access vital supplies in our time of need.

Every week in lockdown is costing our state and compounding social and mental health harms to our kids, families and older Victorians. A healthy, functioning supply chain is a crucial step to keeping our state moving and on track for recovery to make sure we can get Victoria back on top.

Pictures from Food and Fibre Gippsland Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com