PASIN CALLS FOR URGENT INCREASE TO RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLING

Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP is calling on State and Federal Government’s to urgently fund an increase to rural financial counsellors amidst the driest seven months on record and recent frost damage to crops.

“Significant frost events join a long list of challenges that our primary producers are facing. It’s an incredibly challenging time and it’s critical that financial decisions are made on the best possible advice,” Mr Pasin said.

“From drought, frost, disease and challenging market conditions in the dairy and wine industry our rural financial counsellors are instrumental in providing the advice and support our primary producers need to make the best decisions moving forward.

“While the State Government is assessing the extent of the frost damage incurred by primary producers, there is no doubt that there is additional pressure on the demand for rural financial counselling right across South Australia and our State and Federal Government’s should not delay in allocating resources to meet this demand,” Mr Pasin said.

Mr Pasin said Labor was far too distracted on ideological pursuits to be quick to support struggling farmers.

“Since Labor came to government two years ago, Albanese and his Ministers have been distracted by ideological frolics like the Voice referendum and have turned their back on our regions,” Mr Pasin said.

“Aussie Farmers have had to contend with Labor’s ban on Live Sheep Exports, a failed energy policy leading to sky rocketing power prices, increased labour costs thanks to Labor’s IR and migration agenda, and then like coping a kick in the guts when you’re down, an almost unprecedented frost event on top of the driest seven months on record.”

“The Government may not be able to control the weather but it would be nice to know that government has the future of Aussie grown food and fibre in mind. I’ll keep fighting for whatever assistance is needed and right now for Mallee farmers. More financial councillors on the ground would be a great starting point for the entire South Australian Agricultural industry,” Mr Pasin said.