The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is concerned proposed staff reductions to key Victorian Government departments could leave Victoria’s $20 billion dollar agriculture industry vulnerable to the risks posed by devastating pests and biosecurity threats.
VFF President Brett Hosking said the future of key roles involving biosecurity, emergency response, invasive-species management was under threat and the government must not shirk at its responsibility to protect the industry.
“Victorian agriculture is a world class, $20 billion dollar 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.”
“Any reduction in staff and services would be a backward step for Victorian agriculture, particularly in areas safeguarding the sector against pests and diseases.”
“Now is a critical time, given we have increasing threats and risks. The government have been taking a risk-based approach to policy and regulations, but are heightening these risks by reducing staff and capacity,” Mr Hosking said.
Mr Hosking added the flagged reduction in staff could leave the industry vulnerable should a large-scale biosecurity outbreak occur.
“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.”
“I fear if the government follows through with this decision our industry and our regional communities could be left high and dry.”
“We’re calling on the Victorian Government to rethink these cuts and protect our multi-billion dollar agricultural industry,” Mr Hosking said.