An elected Liberal Nationals Government will act to make rates fair for local farmers.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said the Liberal Nationals would hold an independent inquiry into farm rates in Victoria, with the rate cap limit to be applied to all rating categories while the review is undertaken.
“A high farm rates burden is putting more pressure on farmers in a year when they’re already under pressure due to drought,” Mr Bull said.
“This is exactly what we heard from farmers suffering from the dry conditions when I hosted both Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy at forums across the region.
“Farmers are calling for answers and action, and we are listening.
“Our farmers and agriculture businesses and industry are the backbone of our local economy, that’s why we’ll prioritise an independent inquiry into farm rates in Victoria if we’re elected to government in November.”
The terms of reference will direct that the inquiry must deliver actionable recommendations that help to make rates fair for farmers across Victoria. The terms of reference will ensure comprehensive consultation with farmers and the VFF is undertaken.
Mr Walsh said rural communities are built around farming industries, and these industries support thousands of jobs across the state.
“Food and fibre producers are the powerhouse of Victoria’s economy, and a Liberal Nationals Government want farm businesses to keep on growing,” Mr Walsh said.
“Farming families are already under pressure from drought, rising energy and water prices, and a swag of new taxes from the Andrews Labor Government – we can’t afford for them to be rated out existence.”
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
