We know the current fuel and input crisis is causing significant issues and uncertainty for farmers across Victoria.
We’re actively working across all levels of government and industry to ensure our industry is supported through ongoing fuel supply and input price pressures.
We are in close and regular contact with the Victorian Government, including ongoing dialogue with the Premier and Minister for Energy and Resources. At the Federal level, we are directly engaged through the National Farmers’ Federation with the Agriculture Minister, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Home Affairs, and the new Federal Fuel Supply Taskforce.
We are also maintaining regular discussions with petroleum and fertiliser companies to ensure supply chain issues impacting farmers are clearly understood and addressed.
We’re actively calling for and have made progress on:
- Free public transport across Victoria. The Victorian Government heeded our calls and we hope this will ease the pressure on vital fuel needed for our industry;
- A clearer national plan outlining how fuel will be prioritised for agriculture, including defined trigger points for activating federal emergency fuel powers;
- Targeted financial relief for farmers who are unable to pass on rising input costs;
- Support for Federal Government measures to underwrite fuel and fertiliser imports;
- Practical action to move fuel to where it is most needed, particularly in regional and agricultural areas.
We are also preparing a submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission as part of its investigation into whether petroleum companies should be authorised to coordinate fuel supply and distribution during this period.
This issue is constantly changing and we’re ensuring your voice is heard. Today we called out the response from National Cabinet as inadequate and problematic when it comes to the issues we are facing.
We will continue advocating strongly to ensure farmers are prioritised and supported as this situation evolves.
In the meantime, we ask you to keep letting us know your issues and what’s happening at your place. Our team can be reached on 1300 882 833 or via email at policyteam@vff.org.au