Eastern Victoria Region
Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:58): (1829) My question is to the Treasurer. Farmers in the Eastern Victoria Region are under extreme pressure. Feeding costs are soaring, drought has meant that there is no hay and often milk prices have not covered the cost of feed. Many are being forced to cull their herds just to survive. Now the emergency services levy – although it is postponed, many have reached out to me saying that it is hanging over their heads and stressing them out. Farmers have told me that it will make food costs higher and drive more people off the land. Treasurer, my question is: will you release all assessments on the impacts that this levy will have on the financial viability of farmers in the Eastern Victoria Region? While I have got 20 seconds left, I want to say that I was disgusted at Ms Terpstra, who, when were talking about this in the last debate, said, ‘If you don’t want to pay the tax, go and volunteer. Simple.’ I think that is so out of touch with how people in Eastern Victoria Region are feeling.