Andrews Government must broaden drought support

The Andrews Labor Government can – and must – do more to support our drought-affected farmers. South Australia has announced it will provide immediate financial relief with a 50 per cent rebate on council rates or pastoral lease payments in 2019-20 and 2020-21 for farmers eligible for the Farm Household Allowance. In contrast, the Andrews…

Statement on Rural Assistance Commissioner

Wednesday 16 October 2019   Regional communities will expect the new Commissioner to be frank and fearless with his advice to the Andrews Government. Labor may have put him on the payroll but at the end of the day it’s taxpayers’ dollars and Mr Tuohey’s job is to stand up for our regional communities. Labor’s…

Grievance Debate – Drought

Mr WALSH (Murray Plains) (14:01:53): I rise today to grieve for the drought-affected farmers of Victoria. We have a Premier that made a promise that he would actually govern for all Victorians, and as we have seen in recent times that has not been the case. That promise is about as hollow as the Premier’s…

Question without Notice – Drought

Mr Walsh :  (Murray Plains) (12:13:05): My question is to the Premier. The Premier has been to China more times than he has been to our drought-affected regions since taking office. It is a simple request from these communities in genuine need: why won’t the Premier visit our drought-affected farmers? Mr Richardson interjected. The SPEAKER:…

Questions without Notice – Drought

Mr WALSH (Murray Plains) (12:16:18): Premier, we asked you in February, we asked you in March, we asked you in April and in August, and now I am asking you again: when will you provide assistance to pay shire rates and fixed-water charges to Victoria’s drought-stricken farmers? Members interjecting. The SPEAKER: Order! I will allow the…

Farmers need Minister to act after visit

Monday 2 September 2019   Drought-affected farmers in the Millewa must get genuine action from the Andrews Labor Government after the Minister’s visit today. The Agriculture Minister’s visit was long overdue given famers in the Millewa are staring down the barrel of a second failed season. Like farmers in other drought-affected parts of Victoria, the…