Wednesday, 15 October 2025

 Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (14:50): (1327) My constituent, a farmer from the south-west coast of Victoria, contacted me in disbelief after learning the government’s drought employment program suggests farmers simply get a job off farm. My question is to the Premier. Premier, can you explain how this program was designed to align with the current workload and on-farm responsibilities of drought-affected farmers? This constituent, like so many others, is working 80 to 120 hours a week just to keep stock alive and fences maintained and do all the jobs needed to manage a farm, let alone the additional work needed to manage a farm in drought and keep the land viable. He said:

[QUOTE AWAITING VERIFICATION]

I cannot possibly walk away from my animals, my land and my responsibilities to take up more work elsewhere.

To suggest that farmers have the time to step away from their responsibilities and take an off-farm job shows a breathtaking level of ignorance. It is an idea that could only come from people who have never set foot on a farm, let alone one that is affected by drought.

The SPEAKER: Member for South-West Coast, you asked for an explanation, which is an action. Can you rephrase it to ask a question?

Roma BRITNELL: I ask the Premier to come out to the farms and have a look at how difficult it is. Oh, that is an action, sorry. I am thinking of adjournment matters.

The SPEAKER: How –

Roma BRITNELL: How will off-farm work improve the life of a drought-affected farmer who is under enormous pressure?