Council
7 August, 2025
Greater drought support needed, MP says
MEMBER for South West Coast Roma Britnell has lashed out at the Victorian Government for what she described as a “disappointing and delayed” drought package which has left struggling farmers behind.
Speaking in Parliament last week, the first sitting since mid-June, Ms Britnell slammed the state’s $144 million drought support package as too little, too late.
She said the government had failed to deliver immediate assistance as discounts were only now reaching mailboxes and primary producers would still be required to pay the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) from next year.
While recent rainfall has been welcomed, Ms Britnell said feed for livestock does not sprout overnight and the conditions remained difficult.
“Farmers are still doing it tough – just as hard, if not harder, with the cold conditions at the moment,” she said.
“In the midst of all this government promises of relief, Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers now face a complicated process to claim the promised rebate for the emergency services tax.
“On top of their CFA verification, volunteers must register on a government portal and provide additional information, consenting to data sharing with various parties.
“How much harder can the government make it?
“As farmers are feeding their animals by hand, this out of touch government thinks they have time to fill out complex online forms and applications.”
Ms Britnell called on the government to expand financial assistance immediately.
“Feed is what our farmers need today – not next season,” she said.
“That’s why organisations like Need for Feed are stepping in with hay deliveries from Western Australia.
“If the government genuinely wants to help, they should back these practical efforts.
“The latest insult is the complex and bureaucratic process CFA volunteers must endure to access the emergency services tax rebate.
“Our volunteers shouldn’t have to jump through digital hoops and surrender personal data just to receive what they’ve been promised.”
Ms Britnell said support from the Victorian Government’s drought support package “falls short”.
“After two years of crippling dry conditions, the southwest community deserves decisive action – not taskforces and empty announcements,” she said.
“Farmers are still waiting for meaningful support while other regions receive freight rebates and broader consideration, including for hobby farmers.
“Our farmers feed Victoria – they deserve more than platitudes.
“They deserve respect, real support and action.”
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