State election candidates will be asked how they intend to Deliver for Agriculture during two additional VFF forums to be held in the electorates of Shepparton and Ovens Valley this week.
The events in Shepparton and Wangaratta tonight and tomorrow will feature representatives from the major and minor parties as well as independents, and follow successful VFF candidate forums in Bellarine, Polwarth, Bass, Ripon and Mildura in recent weeks.
“The VFF election candidate forums have provided extremely valuable opportunities for Victoria’s farmers to put their key issues on the radars of the parties and candidates,” said VFF president David Jochinke.
“It is clear that the issues farmers are raising at these forums are being heard by both candidates and party leaderships, as evidenced by recent commitments on a review of Victoria’s rating system from both the Coalition and ALP.
“While commitments on a rates review are welcome, the VFF is also seeking that promises go further and ensure a fairer deal for farmers within six months of the new term of government.
“The ALP’s commitment yesterday, while welcome, does not appear to go as far as the Coalition’s and we will be seeking further details from both sides.
“Farmers will continue to seek assurances and commitments from the parties and candidates on their key election asks, including fit-for-purpose roads, a long-term energy plan, reliable telecommunications infrastructure and action on rural crime.
“The remaining VFF election candidate forums will be a chance for farmers to push for commitments on the issues that are important to them.”
Following this week’s forums, two further candidate forums will also be held in Morwell (13/11) and Euroa (14/11).