Dear Editor, Seasonal workers are a critical source of labour for our food supply chain. Backpacker numbers have plummeted as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the horticulture sector fears it won’t be able to secure the workforce it needs for harvest. Despite the pressures, a group of unions is attacking our responsible, sustainable…
Dear Editor, Jobs and businesses in Victoria’s $7.32 billion timber industry are being destroyed by a campaign of misinformation that’s not based on fact. There’s growing evidence in support of the sector’s responsible, sustainable reputation. This includes a recent study from University of Melbourne researchers that found bushfire – not timber harvesting – is the…
Dear Editor, A decision by the Federal Liberal Nationals Government to extend the JobKeeper scheme for a further six months will be welcomed by country Victorian businesses that are relying on the payments to keep local people in work. Restrictions in place to stop the spread of coronavirus are there to save lives, but they’ve…
Dear Editor, Border closures continue to have a massive impact on families, businesses and communities. As a resident of a Murray River community, I understand well how much we rely on our interstate neighbours – and them us. Victorian Nationals MPs have been working constructively with our interstate counterparts to help individuals and businesses through…
Dear Editor, The decision not to include most of regional Victoria in the six week COVID-19 lockdown will provide some long overdue relief for country businesses and communities. We desperately needed the news that we will not face further lockdowns as a result of outbreaks in Melbourne. Now the Premier must implement what he’s said…
Dear Editor, After dealing with the impact of catastrophic bushfires, years of drought and now the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic our farmers need some certainty. In recent years, massive increases to farm rates in some Local Government Areas have pushed up farmers’ rates burden by tens of thousands of dollars. With many councils now…
Dear Editor, Timber contractors have worked tirelessly to help our bushfire-affected communities to recover, but Daniel Andrews has still continued his war with them. Nearly 100 workers were put out of a job this week when the Andrews Government cancelled contracts for timber coupes in East Gippsland. It’s a slap in the face to people…
Timber contractors have spent weeks clearing dangerous timber from roadsides to ensure the safety of Victorians returning to their communities after catastrophic bushfires in East Gippsland and north east Victoria. This includes many tonnes of sawlog grade timber that will go to waste if the Andrews Government doesn’t act to utilise it. I’ve written to…
