While speaking in Parliament this week, Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland urged the Allan Labor Government to urgently boost drought relief, warning current support is inadequate, unfairly distributed, and out of touch with the scale of the crisis facing regional farmers.
While South Australia has announced a comprehensive $73 million drought relief package, the Victorian Government has committed just $13.5 million—limited only to the South West.
“North East Victoria has been left high and dry, despite experiencing the same devastatingly dry conditions,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Our paddocks are bare, dams are empty, hay and feed are scarce, and critical infrastructure like saleyards and transport services are stretched to the brink.
“The government’s failure to act will have far-reaching consequences, increasing pressure on our farmers and driving up the cost of groceries for every household in Victoria.
“If the South Australian Government can provide meaningful, immediate support for their farmers, then why can’t Labor do the same here in Victoria?”
The lack of effective support for Victorian farmers comes as the Allan Labor Government continues to ram through a massive emergency services tax hike that will see farmers paying up to 189 per cent more than previous years.
“Instead of hitting our farmers with higher bills through the Emergency Services Tax, this government must provide them with support,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Farmers urgently need subsidised fodder, water, financial relief, and mental health support.
“Our farmers need help, and they need it now. Every extra day without this support puts stock, farms, and the mental health of our farmers at risk.”
A motion was raised in the Legislative Council during the sitting week, calling on the Allan Labor Government to formally recognise the worsening drought across regional Victoria and to deliver immediate, targeted support before more farms and families are pushed to the brink.