Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Questions without notice and ministers statements

Drought relief

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:04): (893) My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, the South Australian government has been providing financial support to farmers affected by drought for months. It assists with freight subsidies, emergency tax rebates and mental health support. Why has the government ignored our farmers, who are feeding the state and are a vital part of Victoria’s economy?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:05): Ms Crozier, did you miss the $13 million drought package announcement a couple of months ago? There is a drought support package that has been rolling out over the last couple of months. Minister Spence has been out in the south-west in particular meeting with farmers and listening to their concerns in relation to drought. The Minister for Agriculture, I and the Premier have all met with the president of the VFF in relation to these matters. You have asked the question to me, although I think you can anticipate that the Minister for Agriculture will have more to say very soon on that exact issue.

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:06): Treasurer, you are taxing our farmers, not helping them at a time when they need it most. The mental health burden is enormous. I have just spoken to farmers on the steps, who have told me the stresses they are going through. Will the government immediately waive the emergency services tax as South Australia has done?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:06): Ms Crozier, you have just asked me to waive something that does not exist. I understand the question that you are trying to ask, but you have actually asked a question that is nonsensical. But the serious issue is that there are farmers that are experiencing hardship as a result of drought. I live in regional Victoria; I am talking to these farmers every day. When it comes to support for farmers, there will be more to say in the coming days in relation to that. In relation to all of the measures that have been requested for us to look at I am having active conversations in relation to those exact matters.