PASIN’S CALLS FOR WINE MEETING GO UNANSWERED

Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP says he’s dismayed at the lack of attention being given to the wine industry by the State and Federal Labor Governments.

Mr Pasin who has met with grape growers and processors across the Riverland in recent months, wrote to Federal Ministers Murray Watt and Don Farrell together with State Minister Clare Scriven requesting an urgent meeting to discuss what measures Government is prepared to adopt to mitigate the current crisis facing the Australian red wine sector.

Mr Pasin said his September 14 request for a meeting still hasn’t been actioned by the relevant Ministers.

“The Riverland wine industry is staring down dreadful prospects as they approach the 2023 vintage as a result of the coercive actions of the Chinese Communist Party. The situation is urgent, and I don’t see the State or Federal Government’s treating it as such,” Mr Pasin said.

“I’ve met with industry and I have heard firsthand the situation facing growers. Processors have taken my advice by getting on the front foot to offer solutions, but we need government to come to the table as well,” Mr Pasin said.

“I’m requesting open dialogue to discuss how Government can be part of a solution to ease the pain that will be experienced next year,” Mr Pasin said.

Mr Pasin said the only response he’d received so far was an acknowledgement from Minister Farrell’s office that the request had been received.

“Minister Farrell has at least acknowledged my request. Ministers Scriven and Watt are yet to even do that a month after my correspondence was received by them,” Mr Pasin said.

“It’s incredibly disappointing that an industry worth $40 billion to the Australian economy isn’t being respected by Labor at a State or Federal level,” Mr Pasin said.

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730