Outgoing Victorian Farmers Federation livestock group chairman Ian Feldtmann has been highly critical of the State government, saying Premier Daniel Andrews was unwelcome at this year’s conference.
In a wide ranging speech, his last as group chairman, Feldtmann also took aim at Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford.
“Look at what this government really thinks of rural people,” Mr Feldtmann said.
“We have a Premier who has no regard for the CFA – I had my way, I would have withdrawn his invitation to be at the VFF conference, until he put right the mess he has created.
“Not a livestock issue ? Wait until the next fire season takes off.”
Mr Andrews is due to address the conference, tomorrow.
“My guess is that he will come here with some token offerings, and hope we will all forget.”
Mr Feldtmann also took aim at Ms Pulford, over meat transport, on farm biosecurity and the compensation fund.
“We engaged the entire supply chain, from paddock to plate, brought them together and included the union, to deal with the Victorian Agriculture Ministers determination to allow exemptions for the transport and packaging of meat products for small businesses, and particularly farmers markets.
“The real potential was for a food incident that could have ruined our industry’s reputation.”
He said Ms Pulford reconsidered her position, after a joint letter from the groups.
“The fact we were able to bring these organisations together, something the Minister chose not to do, is a real demonstration of the influence we can impose.”
He said the $20 million, for biosecurity, in the State budget was a “token gesture”.
“There is so much more than could, should, and needs to be done.
“I have already had discussions with the chief veterinary officer Charles Miline on things that have already been demonstrated, in real life situations, which need to be strengthened by the government.”
Mr Feldtmann also took aim at what he said was the minister’s, and bureaucrats, plans to use money from the compensation fund.
He also said the group needed to increase its membership.
‘If we cannot substantially increase our membership, our very existence will be very much in question, going into the future,” Mr Feldtmann said.
The flow on effect to the federation, could be catastrophic.
