Thursday, 29 August 2024

Constituency questions

Eastern Victoria Region

Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (12:32): (1077) My question is to the Minister for Economic Growth in the other place. Minister, how is the government supporting businesses in Eastern Victoria with access to the enormous opportunities from international trade? Gippsland is home to some of the state’s best exporting businesses. Just last week I was at Burra Foods in Korumburra, which produces and markets value-added dairy products to the global market. Burra Foods are expanding the capacity of their 170-plus team with an upgrade of their cream cheese manufacturing equipment. This investment will support jobs in the region and the export of our world-class dairy products. Thanks to Steve for the site tour, and congratulations to all involved in innovating Victorian dairy at Burra Foods Australia. Victoria is the nation’s premier state for food and fibre, with exports increasing 7 per cent in value in 2022–23 and reaching a record $19.6 billion. I look forward to supporting this program in Eastern Victoria, home to some of the world’s finest produce. Taking advantage of these trading opportunities is allowing Victoria to be the world’s deli.