Nationals to blame on fruit fly elimination failure: government

Ms Thomas said Victoria would reinforce its capacity to manage Queensland fruit fly and protect horticultural production with a $6.4 million investment in the state budget.

But the state opposition says the government had confirmed it would slash funds, with just $5.3 million to be allocated to community grants over the next four years - a cut of $2.54 million.

Read more:

Ms Thomas said the government's Fruit Fly Strategy document was fully funded.

"It was the Nationals leader, Peter Walsh, when he was Agriculture Minister, gave up on eradication of fruit fly and implemented significant cuts, to the strategy." Ms Thomas said.

"We now have in place a management strategy, and it is fully funded."

She said Mr Walsh had declared eradication was no longer possible.

"We are now in a management phase of fruit fly," she said.

"The challenge has been, given the decision that was made by the former coalition government eradication is no longer deemed possible and we must work to manage it.

"This is a decision that sits squarely at the feet of National Party leader Peter Walsh."

Ms Thomas said last year was a tough year, but Victoria was now on the road to recovery.

"This is a budget that invests in that recovery, with $3.7b in investments across regional and rural Victoria," Ms Thomas said.

"We are making every dollar we invest work double-time, we are investing in the services and people we need and people we need to deliver them.

"Its about the government ensuring we invest in every corner of the state and govern for all Victorians."