More jobs to go in ag

By Darren Linton

Mar 29, 2022

Heavy toll: Nationals leader Peter Walsh says job cuts will have a big impact on support for Victoria’s food and fibre producers. Photo by Getty Images

The state’s Opposition says the loss of a further 85 jobs from Victoria’s agriculture department will mean less services for farmers and critical food production.

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Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh said the cuts to agriculture overall would be close to 10 per cent of the workforce.

Mr Walsh slammed the decision, which he said would also hamper crucial research and development.

“These jobs cuts couldn’t come at a worse time for Victorian food and fibre producers,” he said.

“Costs are skyrocketing across the board, putting massive financial pressure on our hardworking farmers, who will now get less support from under-resourced state government services.”

Agriculture Victoria is the government department responsible for delivering services to Victoria’s $17.8 billion food and fibre industry.

Mr Walsh said the government had refused to detail what services, biosecurity initiatives or research and development programs would be impacted by the cuts.

“Victorian food and fibre producers work hard to feed and clothe our nation, but they’re constantly paying more and getting less from high-taxing, city-centric Labor,” Mr Walsh said.

By Darren Linton

Shepparton News chief correspondent