The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has today sent a letter to the Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall, urging the South Australian Government to implement the National Agriculture Workers’ Code immediately to ensure the movement of agricultural product and people between Victoria and South Australia.
VFF President David Jochinke said while the recent extension of the border bubble was a positive step in the right direction, there is an urgent need for the Code to be introduced as previously agreed.
“Farmers and border communities have been waiting patiently for the South Australian Government to introduce the National Agriculture Workers’ Code as agreed since it was announced in early September.”
“We’re now well into October and farmers continue to face basic problems such as accessing veterinary services, attending ram sales and attending their properties to check stock water.”
“Our border communities work as one. The longer it takes to acknowledge this, the more frustration builds and confusion grows.”
“The South Australian Government should immediately look at what’s been introduced on the NSW border and adopt a permit system in the form of the National Agriculture Workers’ Code.”
Mr Jochinke said the Code was intended to unlock agriculture and reduce confusion for farmers, industry and border communities.
“We must not lose sight of the need to work as a single, cohesive nation.”
“Our farmers farm for Australia and we need to ensure we remove the barriers preventing them for doing their jobs.”
“The VFF will continue to discuss the National Agriculture Workers’ Code with the Victorian and South Australian Agriculture Ministers,” Mr Jochinke said.
Media Contacts:
David Jochinke, VFF President, 0427 834 524
Ryan Moloney, VFF, 0400 874 589