Murray Goulburn assets sold to Saputo Dairy
Farmers deserve guarantees over future pricing
Future of Edith Creek and its workers still in limbo
Government has been embarrassingly quiet
The purchase of Murray Goulburn’s assets by Saputo Dairy provides no certainty for the future of Edith Creek and its workers.
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Shane Broad said the sale also has potential broader implications for the Tasmanian dairy industry.
“The Murray Goulburn sale to Saputo creates a level of uncertainty for the whole Tasmanian dairy industry,” Dr Broad said.
“For decades Murray Goulburn has set the milk floor price for the Victorian and Tasmanian dairy industry. Without a strong farmer-owned cooperative in the marketplace, the whole future pricing for milk in southern Australia is now uncertain.
“The State and Federal Governments need to include provisions in the sale that ensure all dairy farmers get a fair price for their milk.
“I am calling on the State Liberal Government to seek assurances that Murray Goulburn’s dairy farmers in Tasmania are going to be treated equitably and that the new owners will be serious about continuing to operate in Tasmania.
“Labor continues to urge Murray Goulburn to sell Edith Creek as a going concern so jobs can be saved.
“The Smithton factory will transfer to Saputo as part of the sale but Edith Creek remains with Murray Goulburn.
“It will be a very disappointing result if the factory is closed and the assets sold off. We are talking about 120 jobs on the line.
“Unfortunately the Liberal Government has been virtually silent, despite knowing crunch time for the workers was rapidly approaching.
“Has the Premier and his government been engaging with Murray Goulburn to try and salvage a good outcome for workers at Edith Creek?
“This is far too important for the Government to just sit on its hands.”
Shane Broad MP Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Labor Member for Braddon
