Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (14:08): (2053) My constituency question is for the Minister for Agriculture. Since August 2023, community members in my electorate have raised concerns about the treatment and condition of a flock of sheep in Bendigo. Despite multiple complaints with Agriculture Victoria dating back for years, whistleblowers say that no action has been taken and that the sheep are still suffering. They have reported dead sheep, lice, heavy worm burden, flystrike, dags, uncrutched animals that are carrying more than two years worth of wool and most recently an entire dead pit. One concerned farmer told the media recently, ‘These sheep are in the worst condition that I have ever seen.’ This case is yet another clear example of why the government must honour their commitment and urgently introduce their promised animal care and protection bill, which is now almost 10 years delayed. In the meantime, will the minister request a brief from Agriculture Victoria on what is being done to assist these sheep in Bendigo and release it publicly?