Shepparton electorate
Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (15:03): (1022) My question is for the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer continue to provide the Victorian Queensland fruit fly program funding in the 2025–26 budget? Fruit growers from across my electorate are deeply concerned about funding lapsing for an area-wide management plan, which could lead to Queensland fruit fly numbers increasing by up to 600 per cent, critically damaging the horticultural industry, which is worth $1.6 billion to our economy. Ongoing funding is vital to suppressing Queensland fruit fly numbers and protecting the industry. Will the Treasurer commit to maintaining this program and protecting the fruit-growing industry, which is crucial to our state’s economy?