Wed, 14th May 2008

Agriculture short changed through Labor Budget

Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

The 2008-09 budget leaves a gaping hole in Agricultural program funding said Senator Scullion today.

“After all the cuts, program cost shifting and rhetoric, pre-existing agricultural programs worth $334 million have been replaced with those worth only $220 million, said Senator Scullion.

“Most of the new programs announced in the budget are restricted to dealing with climate change and climate change preparedness.

“While climate change poses a significant challenge for all Australia, it is not the only issue confronting rural and regional Australia, said Senator Scullion.

“Just one example of Minister Burke’s slight of hand is the $54 million National Food Innovation Strategy making way for a $34 million Regional Food Producers’ Innovation and Productivity Program. A cut of $20 million.

“The Agriculture Advancing Australia program is gone and along with it goes the flexible Farmbis program that has assisted over 165,000 farmers, fishers and land managers to undertake business management education and training.

“Despite drought, labour force shortages and international market pressures straining farm productivity, the government has persisted with their razor gang cuts right across rural, regional and agricultural programs, said Senator Scullion.

“While the minister promotes his budget initiatives, the reality is that he has slashed the budget with rural and regional Australia left significantly short changed,” said Senator Scullion.