Euroa electorate
Annabelle CLEELAND (Euroa) (14:47): (1118) My question is to the Minister for Agriculture. Will the government support Victorian farmers during this period of drought and worsening weather conditions? While the South Australian government has announced a $73 million drought support package, Victoria’s offering stands at just $13.5 million and only a small number of our farmers are actually eligible. North-east Victoria in particular has been excluded from the current support arrangements despite suffering from the same devastatingly dry conditions. Our paddocks are bare, dams are empty, hay and feed are scarce and sale yards and transporters are at breaking point. At the most recent cattle sale in Euroa nearly 4000 head went through, and the next sale in June is expected to be at capacity. Farmers are calling out. This is the worst dry period since 1982, and without rain before September we are in serious, serious trouble. Instead of hitting our farmers with higher bills through the emergency services tax, this government must provide them with support. Every extra day without support puts stock, farms and the mental health of our farmers at risk. The sound of rain needs no translation, nor should the call for help from our farmers.