Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Drought relief

Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:07): (903) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Agriculture in the other place. Minister, Victorian farmers are struggling with the dry conditions across the state. I know the government released a drought package in September last year. Yesterday in question time the minister said she was considering additional support for farmers impacted by the dry conditions across Victoria. Now is the time for action rather than words, as time is of the essence. What kind of support is the government and the minister considering?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:07): Thank you, Mr Bourman, for your question, a very topical one. Can I say, just speaking as a member for Western Victoria along with Ms Ermacora, the issues that are confronting our farmers in the south-west in particular are front of mind. As you will know, the drought issue is led by the Minister for Agriculture, Minister Spence, and it is true that she has indicated that she is considering a number of things that will be –

Georgie Crozier interjected.

Gayle TIERNEY: Excuse me.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order!

Gayle TIERNEY: This of course is on top of the package that the government announced in September last year. We will be looking forward to hearing –

Members interjecting.

Jeff Bourman: On a point of order, President, I am getting it from both sides now. I am trying to listen to the minister. Could I have some quiet, please.

The PRESIDENT: The minister to continue in silence, please.

Gayle TIERNEY: I can also indicate to Mr Bourman that I know that DEECA, my department, has been meeting with the VFF and farmers as recently as two days ago and that there are a number of actions that are being undertaken –

Bev McArthur interjected.

Jeff Bourman: On a point of order, President, I do everyone the courtesy of not interjecting during their stuff. If people can do me the courtesy of not interjecting during my stuff, that would really help me along.

The PRESIDENT: I think that is a fair request. The minister to continue her answer in silence so Mr Bourman can hear the answer.

Gayle TIERNEY: I will refer this matter to the Minister for Agriculture as the lead minister for drought. But can I also indicate that in terms of the areas that I have responsibility for that feed into the information that is provided to Minister Spence’s office, we are also working with the different water corporations to ensure that emergency water supply points information is up to date. We are also sharing clear information on water access points, which are incredibly important, and of course establishing a new trade room for groundwater in the south-west region, encouraging those not using their water to trade to other businesses. These are some of the things, as well as fit-for-purpose water-recycling work, that are underway, that are being put into place.

I thank you for your question; I thank you for your interest. This is of interest to everyone that lives in regional Victoria, particularly the south-west, but I would assume it is of interest to your particular electorate too, Mr Bourman, being the eastern region of this state. I look forward to providing you with that information from Minister Spence.

Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:11): I thank the minister for her answer, and she has led into my supplementary. I know the previous package focused on the south-west. I am hearing from more and more farmers in parts of eastern Victoria who are now impacted by this drought, though some are impacted by too much water – it is kind of a strange thing. Will the additional support the minister is considering extend beyond the south-west of Victoria to other parts of the state that need it?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:11): I thank you for the supplementary question, Mr Bourman. It is absolutely accurate. As you said, there are certain parts even within your electorate that have had fairly heavy rainfall – really unusual, even for your part of the state – and yet there are some other areas where that has not been the case. I am sure that the whole of Victoria’s geography will play a part in terms of the minister’s considerations, and I look forward to seeing that response and passing it on to you.