If my calculations are correct, we are already a third of the way through the first 100 days of the re-elected Andrews Government.
As is the nature of election campaigns, rural Victoria was promised several outcomes if the Andrews Government was re-elected.
However, 34 days in, and we have not seen any decisive action on one of the most important promises made to rural Victorians – a review into the rating system.
Those unaffected by the burden of farm rates might think we sound like a broken record as we continue to talk about rates.
But for those Victorian farmers staring down huge rates bills, they know this issue cannot be left to lie for another year. A surprise rates increase between 20 and 50 per cent can have a huge impact on a farm business.
Labor wrote in their 2018 election platform that they “support a rural and regional council reform program to help these councils achieve long term sustainability”. It is clear to all involved the current system is not sustainable.
Farmers cannot continue to pay huge rates bills, often to support services they do not even receive. Our farmers want to contribute to their local communities but should not have to underpin the entire system.
The review must include the appointment of a small member review panel, which includes a representative from the farming community. It must examine the current rates system in operation in Victoria and how the rating systems in city, rural and regional councils compare.
There is also an opportunity to learn what is and is not working in other regions. The review must consider the current systems in operation in other states of Australia, and in ‘like-minded’ agriculture-based countries, such as Canada.
To ensure the process does not drag on, we need a short, three-month timeframe. We recommend a deadline of the end of May, with the report released by early June. The government must then respond to and act upon the review recommendations by July 1.
While farm rates increase, Victorian farmer’s capacity to pay during the drought decreases. All increases on rural rates should be placed on hold until such time as the system has been amended, delivering fairness and equity for Victoria’s farmers.
- David Jochinke, Victorian Farmers Federation president