The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has expressed concern that proposed staff reductions in key Victorian Government departments could leave Victoria's agriculture sector, valued at around US$13.3 billion, exposed to risks from pests and biosecurity threats.
VFF President Brett Hosking said the future of roles involving biosecurity, emergency response, and invasive-species management was under threat, and that the government had a responsibility to protect the industry.
"Victorian agriculture is a world-class, US$13.3 billion industry that indirectly employs more than 150,000 people. These proposed cuts have the potential to put all of that at risk if our biosecurity safety net is not maintained as it should be," Hosking said.
He added that reducing staff and services would be a backward step for Victorian agriculture, particularly in areas safeguarding the sector against pests and diseases.
Hosking noted that the cuts come at a time of increasing threats and risks. "The government has been taking a risk-based approach to policy and regulations, but is heightening these risks by reducing staff and capacity," he said.
He warned that staff reductions could leave the industry vulnerable to large-scale biosecurity outbreaks. "You only need to remember the huge response that was required to contain and eradicate the recent avian influenza outbreak. It's all hands on deck, and you only get one chance to get the response right."
Hosking said that if the government proceeded, the agriculture sector and regional communities could be adversely affected.
"We're calling on the Victorian Government to rethink these cuts and protect our multi-billion dollar agricultural industry," he said.
© VFFFor more information:
Victorian Farmers Federation
Tel: +61 1300 882 833
Email: [email protected]
www.vff.org.au
