The Allan Labor Government has ignored its own Drought Taskforce recommendation to deliver 100 per cent council rate relief to struggling farmers, instead offering just 40 percent – leaving Victorian agriculture communities feeling abandoned once again.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said the government’s announcement falls far short of what’s needed, and even further short of what was recommended by its own expert panel.
“Labor’s own Drought Taskforce made it crystal clear: 100 percent rate relief is what’s needed to help farmers survive this crisis,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Yet the Allan Government has ignored that advice and decided farmers should be content with just 40 percent off their rates. That’s not just disappointing, it’s disrespectful.”
Ms Cleeland said that while some regions have received patchy rainfall, the crisis is far from over.
“A few days of rain doesn’t undo the damage caused by months of drought,” she said.
“Feed is still desperately needed, and the costs are crippling. Farmers need real support, not hollow gestures and watered down policies.”
Ms Cleeland also slammed the decision to merely pause, rather than cancel, the Emergency Services Property Tax for farmers.
“Labor’s 12-month pause on the Emergency Services Tax is a token move that helps some, but continues to punish others,” she said.
“This tax should be scrapped altogether. It’s unfair, it’s poorly targeted, and it’s clearly not delivering for those on the frontline.”
“The Premier continues to claim this tax is supported by volunteers, but the reality on the ground is very different. Farmers and volunteers alike are calling for it to go.”
Ms Cleeland said regional communities were fed up with the city-centric approach of the Allan Government.
“This is just another example of a government that doesn’t understand or respect the realities of life on the land,” she said.
“The Nationals will continue to fight for meaningful, long-term drought support because our farming families deserve better.”