The Federal Labor Government must start delivering real assistance to Tasmanian dairy farmers rather than simply conduct meetings and play a game of catch-up.
“Now is the time for the Federal Government to deliver,” said Senator for Tasmania and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry Richard Colbeck.
“The Agriculture Minister, Tony Burke, is supposedly in Hobart today at Community Cabinet. Why doesn’t he visit dairy farmers to outline how he plans to help them?” Senator Colbeck said.
“The Federal Government hasn’t put a cent on the table to assist dairy farmers affected by the drastic milk price cuts, severe climatic conditions and power outages.
“I welcome Departmental officials visiting Circular Head today, but more must be done than simply attending meetings. Real financial assistance is critical to assist farmers and their families.”
Senator Colbeck outlined his recent calls for Federal Government assistance:
1 month ago: Senator Colbeck called on the State and Federal Government to divert any spare resources previously allocated to drought assistance to Tasmania’s dairy farmers and their families. No response yet from the Federal Government.
2 weeks ago: Senator Colbeck wrote to the Prime Minister seeking emergency natural disaster assistance for dairy farmers affected by the lengthy power outages. No response yet from the Federal Government.
Senator Colbeck said it was disappointing that Braddon Labor MP, Sid Sidebottom, when asked about how he could fix up the problems for dairy farmers said “I don’t know.”
”Mr Sidebottom should be calling on his Labor colleagues, Agriculture Minister Tony Burke and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, to provide immediate financial assistance to local dairy farmers.
“As an example of what could be done, the Federal Government could commit to matching the funding raised in support of dairy farmers by the Circular Head and other local communities.”
SENATOR THE HON RICHARD COLBECK Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
