$22 Million for a $22 billion industry isn’t good enough

The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says the Allan Labor Government’s latest State Budget proves once again that regional Victoria and the agricultural sector are not a priority.

Mr McCurdy said Labor’s headline announcement of $84 million for agriculture was misleading, with almost three-quarters of that funding already allocated to bushfire recovery support announced months ago.

“Victorian farmers deserve honesty, not creative accounting,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Of the so-called $84 million agriculture package, $62 million has already been spent on bushfire recovery, leaving just $22 million in new support for an industry that contributes more than $22 billion annually to Victoria’s economy.”

Mr McCurdy said the cuts would be felt strongly across the Ovens Valley, one of Victoria’s most productive agricultural regions, generating almost $600 million in agricultural output each year.

“Our electorate is home to world-class beef, dairy, sheep, wine, nut and berry producers, as well as one of the largest hop farms in the Southern Hemisphere,” he said.

“From Myrtleford to Yarrawonga, agriculture is the backbone of our local economy and supports thousands of jobs across farming, food processing and agritourism.”

Mr McCurdy said the budget effectively delivers a $14.6 million cut to agriculture funding compared to last year, despite farmers continuing to battle rising costs, workforce shortages, biosecurity threats and ongoing seasonal pressures.

“This is a slap in the face to the farmers and agricultural communities who keep Victoria fed, clothed and economically strong,” he said.

“The Allan Labor Government has once again shown its priorities lie in Melbourne, not in the communities and industries that drive regional Victoria.”

Labor can't manage money, and Victorian farmers are paying the price.