MEMBER for Murray Plains Peter Walsh has called on the state government to broaden its drought support.
The Nationals MP said the government “can and must” do more to support drought-affected farmers.
His demand follows a similar call from federal Minister for Drought David Littleproud who last Tuesday urged states to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” with their farmers and regional communities.
“All state governments have to pull their weight,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The federal government is providing up to $224,000 a year in support to farmers and we all have a part to play.”
Mr Littleproud said the amount of state support varied “wildly”.
“NSW gives more than any other state at the moment with up to $69,175 per farmer a year,” he said.
“On the other hand, WA provides no direct drought support and that needs to change.
“In Queensland, a farmer can access $39,129 in direct support, in Victoria $25,235.
“South Australia is reviewing its level of support — something every state should do.”
Mr Littleproud said the states should “step-in” and pay council rates for farmers in drought.
“They should also give farmers crown lease holidays — it’s just not fair to charge rent on unproductive land,” he said.
“They can also give payroll tax exemptions to businesses dependent on agriculture, like the local meat works, because their drought is coming as soon as it rains.
“The states also own our power companies and can offer farmers a discounted rate through a food and fibre tariff.
“Agriculture is a strategically important industry and we all need to work together to bring farmers through the drought.”
Mr Littleproud said the Commonwealth had stepped up its response, and needed the states to join it.
“This is bigger than any one person, or any one government — we all need to play as one team,” he said.
It was a message echoed by Mr Walsh last Wednesday, also drawing on South Australia as an example of the support states should be offering.
“South Australia has announced it will provide immediate financial relief with a 50 per cent rebate on council rates or pastoral lease payments in 2019-20 and 2020-21 for farmers eligible for the Farm Household Allowance,” he said.
“In contrast, the Andrews Government claims rates relief is a matter for councils.
“This is despite the Victorian Government providing 50 per cent subsidies on council rates and relief on fixed water charges for all drought-affected farmers in 2008-09.
“Rates relief is a simple, commonsense measure that can be applied fairly to those who need it the most.”
Mr Walsh said the challenges facing Victorian farmers, including drought and high water prices “don’t stop at the shire boundary”.
“Farmers outside the Mildura, East Gippsland and Wellington shires have been excluded from the Andrews Government’s drought package and it’s time to right that wrong,” Mr Walsh said.
“South Australia has stepped up to provide the genuine rates relief farmers have been asking for.
“Daniel Andrews must finally put aside his arrogance and do the same.”
