Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP
Andrews Labor government refuses to release details on savage cuts to agriculture scientists and researchers while wasting millions of dollars
The Labor government cut a further 109 jobs from Agriculture Victoria in recent months, from the pool of about 1100 to 1200 staff - the Victorian government has refused to release exact figures.
The hypocrisy of state Labor's cuts to agriculture jobs has been exposed with figures today that the number of spin doctors in the Premier's personal office nearly outstrips resourcing for Victorian farmers. By comparison, the Premier's Department of Premier and Cabinet Office swelled to 966 FTE by June 30 last year - a massive increase on the 370 FTE in 2013-14.
Jobs in soil sciences, genomics, animal nutrition and research on pest weeds and diseases have been targeted by Labor's cuts
Farmers suffering the consequences
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh slammed the Labor government's latest act of political bastardry against Victorian agriculture. "Labor's savage cuts to agriculture scientists and R&D jobs comes as Victorian farmers also suffer consequences of cuts to biosecurity and strategic efforts for export market diversification."
"While AgVic is forced to tighten the belt by cutting decades of scientific and operational expertise from its workforce, the premier's spending millions extra on spin doctors in his own personal office. If state Labor hadn't wasted $24 billion in cost overruns on major projects in Melbourne, they wouldn't need to cut AgVic research staff." Mr Walsh said.
Losing reputation
Earlier this month, Victoria's 2020-21 Food and Fibre Export Performance Report revealed our state's food and fibre exports fell below $14 billion for the first time since 2017. At the same time, New South Wales' exports increased nearly $1 billion and boosted its total share of our nation's agriculture exports by two per cent.
Mr Walsh said Victoria risked losing its reputation as an agriculture powerhouse if Labor continued to gut support to our farmers. "State Labor is no champion for our farmers or regional Victorians. Only a change in government in November will deliver for farmers with a renewed focus on expanding into emerging export markets in South-east Asia, India and Africa." Mr Walsh said.
Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@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