The state opposition has accused the Agriculture minister Jaala Pulford of refusing to answer how the government would further support Victoria’s dairy farmers.
Opposition agriculture spokesman Peter Walsh said this was despite Ms Pulford’s complaints the Federal government’s $579 million assistance package did not go far enough.
“In the Legislative Council, Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath asked what was missing from the Commonwealth package, but the Minister refused to provide an answer,” Mr Walsh said .
“When put on the spot and asked what else the government planned to do to assist dairy farmers, Ms Pulford arrogantly refused to answer, The $11.4 million of state and industry funds Ms Pulford has announced so far is, of course, welcome but there is more that the State Government could do.
“Farmers have requested direct financial support, like rates rebates which were last week requested by Gannawarra and Campaspe shires and water charge waivers. So far, Ms Pulford has ignored these calls from the very farmers she claims to represent, and instead focused on grubby political games.”
Federal agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce announced a $555 million concessional loans scheme last month after Murray Goulburn and Fonterra unexpectedly slashed milk prices.
Ms Pulford said the loan scheme appeared to disadvantage the 20pc of producers who were sharefarmers or lessees, many of whom were young and may not meet the loan requirements.
“The Coalition needs to explain why it has removed the financial hardship test for the Dairy Recovery Concessional Loans, which prioritises loans towards those who are in greatest financial need,” Ms Pulford said. “They should also reconsider the interest rate they are offering and confirm what funds will be available after 31 October.”
Mr Walsh said extra Rural Financial Counselling services are available, and dairy families could also now receive the Commonwealth Government’s $1000 per fortnight Farm Household Allowance payments.
